Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and committee members, thank you.
• Chair, members of the committee. Luke Wickham, committee counsel.
• So the motion before the committee is whether or not Substitute Senate Bill 5911 be reported out of committee
• our committee working through the end of the interim, anything they plan on pursuing, and their hopes
• You know, this committee is... ...in my opinion, one of the most complex committees there are.

Summary: The House Early Learning and Human Services Committee held public hearings on two bills. HB 1873 would expand Working Connections Child Care eligibility to full-time graduate and professional students with household income at or below 85% of state median income, with copays waived to the extent allowed by federal law. The prime sponsor and student testifiers argued that child care costs and limited stipends force student parents to choose between education and family responsibilities, while some members raised questions about program cost, uptake, and return on investment. The committee also heard HB 2600, which would require DSHS to update the Supported Living Cost Report template and convene a work group to develop Medicaid rate recommendations aimed at improving compensation for direct support professionals. Supporters, including SEIU-affiliated workers, said the bill would increase transparency and help ensure state funding reaches frontline caregivers, citing low wages and high turnover. Opponents from provider organizations argued the current cost report is already detailed, that the bill would add administrative burden, and that recent rate increases have already been passed through to wages and benefits. In executive session, the committee considered three Senate bills. It adopted a striking technical amendment and voted 9-1 to report out SSB 5911, which protects funds for youth in extended foster care and raises the threshold for protected accounts. It then voted 10-0 to report out SSB 5957, expanding the Homeless Youth Advisory Committee to include more people with lived experience and representatives of disproportionately homeless populations. Finally, it voted 7-3 to report out SSB 6184, which updates Office of Homeless Youth programs and language, including expanding eligibility for emerging adults up to age 21. The meeting ended with an interim planning discussion focused on future work on critical incidents, juvenile justice, developmental disabilities data, homelessness, child care, and facility tours.

Transcript Highlights:

• I hope so.
• </c> of the committee? of the committee?
• </c> the committee. the committee.
• </c> and members of the committee. and members of the committee.
• . committee. committee.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m on a couple of their committees, national committees.
• But here’s the hope: ACEs are not destiny.
• It’s based around the science of hope.
• It builds resilience and teaches kids that hope is a life skill. So we measure hope.
• or bills that have died in committee.

Summary: The Select Committee on Domestic Violence, chaired by Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio, held an informational hearing focused first on teen dating violence and healthy relationships, then on the impact of domestic violence on children. Rubio opened by describing domestic violence as pervasive and lifelong in its effects, and said the meeting was prompted in part by recent teen violence in her district and the need to help families, educators, and neighbors recognize warning signs and resources. Assembly Members Stefani, Gibson, Rodriguez, Alanis, and others shared personal experiences and emphasized the need for prevention, early intervention, and better support systems for victims and children. Janica Morin Pasquale and Taylor Stone Mill described how teen abuse often shows up through technology and social media control, isolation from friends, monitoring of phones and passwords, and coercive behavior that teens may mistake for love or jealousy. They stressed that many teens do not tell parents, that schools should bring in outside experts, and that prevention should start early and be reinforced through school curricula, athletics, and youth-facing social media resources. Taylor also cited teen dating violence statistics, discussed resources such as Love Is Respect and Take It Down, and said California should ensure consistent funding and implementation of the California Healthy Youth Act rather than treating the topic as a one-time lesson. The second panel, including Joyce Blue, Susie Flores, and Dr. Pamela Tate, focused on children exposed to domestic violence and the need for trauma-informed services. They described family justice centers and children’s advocacy centers as one-stop models that provide forensic interviews, therapy, safety planning, legal help, and emergency response. Speakers highlighted the prevalence and danger of strangulation, the use of risk assessment tools, the importance of safety plans, and the long-term effects of ACEs and trauma on children. Members and witnesses also discussed barriers such as school access, burnout among providers, immigration-related fear, and the need to consider memory and delayed disclosure when discussing statutes of limitations. No formal votes or actions were taken; the hearing was informational and ended with calls for stronger prevention, more collaboration, and sustained support for survivors and children.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee to order.
• And we want to bring this oversight hearing of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Select Committee
• The Audit Committee and Select Committee on Native American Affairs have approved and conducted a series
• And we noted that one committee member on the NAGPRA system-wide committee said that Berkeley's plans
• Greetings, members of the Select Committee on Native American Affairs, Joint Legislative Audit Committee

Summary: The joint hearing of the Select Committee on Native American Affairs and the Joint Legislative Audit Committee focused on the University of California’s compliance with NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA and the return of Native American human remains and cultural items. Senators and Assembly Members opened by emphasizing the sacredness of repatriation, the ongoing trauma caused by delayed returns, and the need for stronger systemwide accountability. The State Auditor presented the third audit of UC’s repatriation efforts, concluding that UC still lacks the urgency, oversight, and clear timelines needed to promptly return remains and belongings. The audit found thousands of remains and hundreds of thousands of cultural items still in UC custody, new undisclosed collections at several campuses, weak budgeting and underspending, and repatriation plans that often lacked concrete deadlines. The auditor recommended stronger UCOP oversight, performance metrics, proactive searches for undiscovered items, and possible legislative action to tie funding to measurable progress. UC officials responded that the system is committed to full compliance and has accelerated its work since adopting a new policy in 2022. UC Provost Catherine Newman said the system repatriated more than 2,800 ancestors and nearly 80,000 funerary belongings in the past year, and that UC now says 80.3% of Native American remains are either repatriated or available for repatriation. UC announced a new systemwide plan to complete repatriation of human remains by the end of 2028, to finish high-risk campus reviews by June 2026, to recall all loans by January 2026, and to require quarterly reporting to UCOP. UC also said it will spend an additional $8.8 million over three years, expand staffing, improve databases, support tribal consultation costs, and identify potential reburial sites on UC land. Berkeley and San Diego described increased staffing, consultations, and repatriation activity, while Santa Barbara said it had corrected earlier omissions, notified tribes about previously unreported ancestors, and was working toward completing repatriations and updated inventories. Committee members pressed UC on why progress has been so slow, why the audit’s timelines differed from UC’s public reporting, and whether the 2028 goal applies only to human remains rather than all cultural items. UC said the 2028 target is for human remains, while cultural items will take longer, and acknowledged that more work remains. Members also asked about the technical expertise needed for repatriation, the role of tribal experts, and whether repatriation should be embedded more permanently in UC governance or statute. Tribal leaders and representatives then testified that remains and belongings were taken without consent and must be returned with tribal consent and leadership. They criticized the repeated delays, stressed that tribes are the experts on their ancestors and cultural heritage, and urged UC to treat repatriation as a top priority and to return all associated items, not just human remains, so ancestors can truly rest.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a Hope House for Hope.
• It's a hope house for uh nonprofit.
• It's a hope house for hope.<00:14:45.600><c> And</c><00:14:45.680><c> what</c><00:14:45.839><c> it</c
• I hope now the organization does.
• Speaker, we had a committee sub. &gt;&gt; Mr. Mr. Speaker, we had a committee sub.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, members of the committee.
• And I hope that the committee will again give it a favorable report and really weigh in on it. ...given
• Any questions from the committee?
• Any questions from the committee?
• Any questions from the committee?

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several retirement and workforce-related bills. House Bill 2980 would place county correctional nurses and certain medical staff into Group 4 retirement. Representative Trino, Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, and nurse manager Leanne Cameron argued that correctional nurses work in dangerous, high-stress settings with frequent contact with incarcerated people, high rates of mental illness and substance use in the jail population, and significant workplace violence, and that the change would help recruitment and retention with limited statewide fiscal impact. The committee also heard Senate Bill 210, which would create a commission to study additional regular compensation and annual expenses for members of the General Court. Senator John Keenan said Massachusetts has high leadership stipends compared with other states and argued the current structure can affect independence and public trust. Representative O'Day testified on House Bill 2928 to extend Group 2 retirement to additional Department of Children and Families social workers, and SEIU 509 witnesses described frequent transport of children, crisis response, threats, assaults, and other high-risk duties that they said match Group 2 work. Additional testimony supported House Bill 2943 for DDS service coordinators and supervisors, with witnesses describing home visits in unsafe conditions, transport of vulnerable individuals, direct care during staffing crises, and exposure to violence. House Bill 2899 drew support from the Association of Social Work Boards for social work field placement grants, incentives for supervisors, and expanded retirement benefits for DCF social workers. The committee also heard Senate Bill 2613, a local retirement bill for Salem police officer Kathleen Roachville, who described a severe line-of-duty injury during an arrest involving a combative person in a mental health crisis. Finally, Susan Smith Campbell testified for reclassifying certain DYS administrative officers into Group 2 because of their direct involvement in restraints, assaults, and crisis management. After testimony concluded, the committee adjourned without taking any votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• . committee. committee.
• . committee. committee.
• So, I would love your consideration from the committee, and would hope you'd vote yes and accept it.
• ,</c><01:05:24.480><c> and</c><01:05:24.800><c> would</c><01:05:24.920><c> hope</c> um from the committee
• , and would hope um from the committee, and would hope you'd<01:05:25.280><c> vote</c><01:05:25.520><

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> appreciative you know of the committee appreciative you know of the committee that<00:10:41.240>
• </c> Vice chair and members of the committee Vice chair and members of the committee uh<00:10:49.160>
• </c><00:22:13.880><c> on</c> making and this is the committee on making and this is the committee on
• </c> with the Kahana Bay steering committee with the Kahana Bay steering committee the<00:24:53.240><
• </c> because yes I know but in the committee because yes I know but in the committee committee<00:27:

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water and Land met on March 21, 2025, and considered several resolutions related to water resources, coastal management, and energy planning. On SCR 42/SR 27, which urged DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife to prioritize restoration and protection of additional wetlands and anchialine ponds, DLNR supported the measure and suggested a technical correction changing a reference from the Division of Agriculture to the Division of Aquatic Resources. Testimony from Hā‘ena Reef and Ocean Coalition, Maui Ocean Center, and individuals was in support. The committee recommended passage with technical and non-substantive amendments. The committee also heard SCR 54/SR 36, which would create a desalination planning task force to study whether large-scale desalination for potable water is feasible. DLNR and CWRM said the proposal was a large undertaking and raised capacity concerns, noting the Board of Water Supply was already moving forward with its own desalination planning. BWS testified in support, saying its project was still in planning and design, with construction not expected until late 2027 or 2028, and that the project would produce about 1.7 million gallons per day to supplement Ewa’s water supply. Members discussed whether the task force might duplicate existing work and noted the measure focused on consumption rather than other desalination uses. The committee ultimately recommended passage with technical and non-substantive amendments. For SCR 59/SR 43, which asked DLNR, the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, and the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission to work together on maintaining the Kihei ramp, DLNR reported ongoing collaboration and listed prior improvements including paving, washdown work, dredging, and a retaining wall. The committee recommended passage with technical and non-substantive amendments. On SCR 106/SR 87, which requested a study of which energy sector could be most quickly and cost-effectively decarbonized through public investment in combustion-free alternatives, OPSD said the State Energy Office had already completed a decarbonization study under Act 238 (2022) and a follow-up alternative fuels analysis, and suggested the resolution duplicated existing work. Energy Justice Network testified in support, arguing the proposal would build on prior studies by focusing on non-combustion options such as wind, solar, and storage. Despite support from several organizations and individuals, the committee deferred the measure indefinitely. The committee also passed SR 18 as is, passed SC 51/SR 33 as is, deferred SC 47, and passed SC 76/SR 59 with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said he is hoping to reach out to see if other members will be in attendance and is hoping to hear
• He said he is hoping to reach out to see if other members will be in attendance and is hoping to hear
• He said he is hoping to reach out to see if other members will be in attendance and is hoping to hear
• He said he is hoping to reach out to see if other members will be in attendance and is hoping to hear
• He said he is hoping to reach out to see if other members will be in attendance and is hoping to hear

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee will come to order, and we do have a quorum.
• Chairman and committee. Thank you, Senator.
• </c><00:20:27.799><c> to</c> donors similar to what we're hoping to donors similar to what we're hoping
• </c><00:57:25.799><c> I</c> Beyond as a member of this committee I Beyond as a member of this committee
• </c><01:11:14.239><c> that</c> done uh but uh I remain hopeful that done uh but uh I remain hopeful that

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee will... The committee will now come to order.
• At the discretion of the chairs and per committee rules, written testimony received by the committee
• it's actually a of the committee.
• Good afternoon, committee members.
• I hope you do. I hope you do also by favorably discharging these bills.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Health Care Financing

Summary: The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing focused largely on senior long-term care issues, family caregiving, post-acute care access, and direct care workforce pay. Testimony strongly supported bills to raise the personal needs allowance for nursing home and rest home residents (including H. 1411, S. 482, and related bills), with speakers from Mass Senior Action, Dignity Alliance, nursing home residents, providers, and former state officials arguing that the current $72.80 monthly allowance has been unchanged since 2008 and is inadequate for basic items like clothing, toiletries, haircuts, and transportation. Witnesses also backed bills to increase MassHealth asset and income limits for seniors and to stop counting life insurance as cash, describing the current rules as outdated and harmful to low-income elders. The committee also heard testimony on bills allowing family members, including spouses and guardians, to be paid caregivers (H. 1394/S. 886), with supporters saying this would help families keep loved ones at home and reduce reliance on costly institutional care. Another set of bills (H. 1412/S. 903) drew support from a physician who said clearer MassHealth communication and improved post-acute care determination processes would help reduce delays and backlogs for patients awaiting skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or other post-acute placement. Several speakers emphasized that better home- and community-based care can prevent hospital readmissions and support independence. A major portion of the hearing focused on S. 877, which would establish an enhanced care worker minimum wage of $25 per hour, indexed to inflation, for certain home care and human services workers. Union representatives and direct care workers from SEIU Local 509, 1199 SEIU, and the AFL-CIO described severe staffing shortages, burnout, low wages, and high turnover across home care, mental health, disability services, and crisis response. They argued that higher pay is necessary to recruit and retain workers and to stabilize services for vulnerable residents. Committee members asked about costs, comparisons with other states, and whether non-wage incentives could help, but witnesses repeatedly said wages were the central issue. The hearing concluded after all registered testimony was heard, with the committee noting it would continue accepting written testimony and then adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• anything you were hoping to hear from him this afternoon.
• That's what I'm hoping for. I don't expect to hear that.
• So I'm hoping he pushes for more tax relief.
• , you know, it should be handled in the committee and go through the committee.
• I hope I amend it so he doesn't sign it.

Summary: At this Republican media availability, Senate and House GOP leaders focused on affordability, taxes, and government accountability as the session approached cutoff. Senate Republican Leader John Braun criticized the Senate’s income tax bill and a range of other tax proposals, arguing they would raise costs for food, health care, prescription drugs, data centers, startups, grocery bags, and employers of Apple Health/Medicaid users. House Republican leaders Peter Abbarno and April Connors echoed those concerns, saying the latest revenue forecast did not justify new taxes and that Democrats were relying on tax increases rather than relief for families and small businesses. A major topic was the income tax bill that had passed the Senate and was headed to the House. Republicans said they opposed it on constitutional and policy grounds, argued it would eventually expand beyond high earners, and said the bill should be amended to remove the necessity clause so it could be referred to voters. They also said any meaningful tax reform should include broader relief such as property or sales tax reductions, not just narrow carveouts. Braun also said he hoped Governor Inslee would reconsider support for the measure, while House Republicans said they would try to stop it from advancing. The lawmakers also discussed child welfare and public safety bills, especially efforts to force votes on legislation related to DCYF and child deaths. They criticized House Democrats for not hearing or advancing several Republican-backed bills and said process objections were being used to avoid accountability. Braun noted that a bipartisan bill to add fentanyl to the endangerment statute, HB 5071, remained alive in the House. Other bills mentioned as priorities to oppose included an environmental crimes bill, a juvenile release bill, a real estate excise tax measure, and a bottle bill, all of which Republicans said would increase costs or expand state authority.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Veterans and Armed Forces has not come to order.
• I thought it was important for our committee to hear.
• And it's just maybe renewed hope for them.
• I hope to come down and see you in September. I would love that.
• With no other business before the committee, we should now stand adjourned.

Committee: House Veterans and Armed Forces

Summary: The Committee on Veterans and Armed Forces met briefly to hear testimony from Tron Peterson, director of Peterson Outdoors Ministries, a faith-based nonprofit that provides free outdoor recreational therapy for veterans, active-duty service members, military chaplains, and their families. Peterson described the organization’s 20-year history, its Lodge of Hope facility near Sheldon, Missouri, and its use of adaptive equipment to serve veterans with severe injuries. He said the ministry now serves more than 500 veterans a year across several states and also offers events for female veterans, spouses, children, and chaplains. Committee members praised the program’s focus on healing, family support, and suicide prevention. Peterson said the ministry’s events are designed to reduce isolation, strengthen marriages and families, and help veterans cope with PTSD and suicidal thoughts; he claimed recent events had helped prevent suicides and included baptisms and family activities. Members also discussed the high divorce rate among veterans and special forces, and Peterson said chaplains are helping him develop marriage retreats and enrichment programs to address that need. In response to questions, Peterson explained that the ministry is funded through churches, individuals, businesses, sponsorships, and donations, often secured at the last minute. He also said the organization has expanded with RV pads and a bunkhouse, and that it takes its model to other locations through volunteers and partner sites. No legislation was considered and no votes were taken; the committee concluded after the testimony and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we are hoping for a more favorable vote from the newborn screening advisory committee.
• So, we are hoping for a more favorable vote from the newborn screening advisory committee.
• So, we are hoping for a more favorable vote from the newborn screening advisory committee.
• So, we are hoping for a more favorable vote from the newborn screening advisory committee.
• Um members of<00:36:11.119><c> the</c><00:36:11.280><c> committee,</c> of the committee, of the committee

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:07.519><c> the</c> problem, but we are hopeful the problem, but we are hopeful the discussions
• </c> chair the government affairs committee chair the government affairs committee for<00:16:55.440><
• And so I'm very hopeful about that, and I hope that this task force, before endeavoring to make any changes
• And so I'm very hopeful about that, and I hope that this task force, before endeavoring to make any changes
• </c> uh chairing the legislative committee uh chairing the legislative committee for<00:39:44.960><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• hotly contested committee hearing.
• So I do hope more work can be done on this bill in conference committee, but it is a good bill now and
• I hope we can fix this bill.
• So I hope...
• I hope that you will support it.

Transcript Highlights:

• Plans to give you hope and a future.
• The Committee on Rules recommends section 8-26-11. Mr.
• before the committee.
• All these people coming in to see somebody, I just hope, I just hope when I'm done the people will actually
• And I hope that we all remember...

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call, then approved the journal and spent much of the early session on personal privilege remarks, guest introductions, and proclamations. Recognitions included Arcadia High School’s 2026 state championship boys basketball team, the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, Diné College and Navajo sovereignty/Indigenous higher education, Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month, and Route 66’s centennial. The chamber also honored Senator Lela Alston for her long legislative career and retirement, with remarks from colleagues and a musical tribute after recess. The Senate then moved into Committee of the Whole and considered three House bills. HB 2048, dealing with orders of protection and process service, was amended and recommended do pass. HB 2398, concerning watercraft insurance requirements and penalties, was amended after debate over a floor amendment exempting some infrequent boat rentals; the amendment was adopted over opposition from Senator Epstein, and the bill was recommended do pass as amended. HB 2611, relating to child welfare and group home safety, was amended with changes requiring DCS reporting and standards for group foster homes, and was also recommended do pass as amended. On third reading, the Senate passed HB 2198, HB 2434, HB 2764, HB 2772, HB 2837, HB 2868, HB 2906, and HB 2996, with HB 2772 drawing a 17-9 vote after Senator Gonzales objected that it could affect emergency responders seeking driver’s licenses from patients. HB 2868 passed 25-1, HB 1668 passed 25-1, and the rest passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The Senate also concurred in House amendments to SB 1168, SB 1254, and SB 1668, then passed SB 1168 and SB 1254 on final reading and sent them to the Governor; SB 1668 also passed final reading and was sent to the Governor. The chamber then recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Reminder to the committee about the committee dinner tonight at Santa Fe at 6. Six. Santa Fe.
• And so, Madam Chair, and also to the committee members as well, I hope this is something to be taken
• Thank you, committee.
• I'm ready for the committee, ma'am, Chair. Okay, questions from the committee.
• a committee here in Health.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 195, as amended by committee substitute, which would protect the personal assets of individual medical providers from medical malpractice judgments when they carry appropriate insurance or participate in the Patient Compensation Fund. The sponsor said the bill was intended to address providers’ fear of losing homes and other personal property, while opponents argued it could exempt a class of people from civil justice. Supporters said it was a reasonable compromise that preserved patient access to justice while helping recruit and retain providers. The committee adopted the substitute and advanced it on a do pass vote. The committee then heard HB 295, a revised version of the Accessibility Act, which would create a centralized office for accessibility reporting, technical assistance, and annual reporting on barriers in state buildings and websites. Supporters said the bill would improve coordination, data collection, and compliance with existing ADA requirements; opponents argued it duplicated existing law and would create another government office without enforcement power. Members debated whether the Governor’s Commission on Disability should handle the work instead, but the sponsors said the commission lacked capacity and the Department of Health was a better fit. The committee adopted the substitute and advanced it 8-1. Next, HB 296 proposed doubling the working families tax credit. The sponsor and supporters described it as an anti-poverty measure that would benefit more than 200,000 families and strengthen work incentives, while committee members asked about the fiscal impact, administration, and interaction with other tax credits. The bill was quickly advanced on a do pass vote. The committee then heard HB 338, which would extend the gross receipts tax deduction for health care providers through 2031 and add co-insurance payments. Health care advocates supported it, but city and municipal representatives warned it would reduce local revenue unless a full hold harmless was added. After extended discussion, the committee rejected a motion to table and instead advanced the bill 9-0 with no recommendation, with several members saying they would not support it on the floor unless local governments were made whole. Finally, the committee heard HB 259, which would create an optional actuarial review process for proposed health insurance legislation through the Legislative Finance Committee. Supporters said it would give lawmakers better data on premium, utilization, and spending impacts before voting on coverage mandates; opponents and some members raised concerns about cost, staffing, data access, and whether the process would be too limited to be useful. After discussion, the committee advanced the bill on a do pass vote. HB 279 was rolled at the sponsor’s request, and the committee adjourned after reminding members about the evening dinner.

Transcript Highlights:

• But you said the word, we hope. ...on this.
• So we're hoping with this rule that we can—and I say hope because, you know, I haven't, I have no guarantees
• Any other questions from members of the committee?
• Any other questions from members of the committee?
• Are there any questions, members of the committee?

Summary: The committee reviewed a series of Arkansas Department of Human Services and Department of Health rules, with most items receiving no objection. DHS Medical Services presented a rule to restore continuous glucose monitors to Medicaid durable medical equipment and pharmacy benefits after addressing provider concerns, and another rule to allow hospitals to bill at a rehabilitation level of care when patients are receiving only rehab services in an acute-care setting, while also moving Medicaid utilization management review from day 4 to day 7 for most hospitals and day 10 for rehab hospitals. Members questioned whether the rehab rule could lead to children being sent out of state, but DHS said the intent was to keep patients in-state and reimburse appropriately; the rule was reviewed without objection. DHS also presented PACE program updates to align with federal requirements and Act 144, and a separate personal care manual rewrite that would replace the Arkansas Independent Assessment with a claims-based medical eligibility review by Optum, clarify hourly service flexibility, and comply with Acts 625 and 853; both were reviewed without objection. The committee then heard a Medicaid eligibility rule from DHS County Operations that excludes foster care/adoption subsidy income for certain eligibility groups, clarifies treatment of 529 accounts, tax refund interest, and independence accounts for workers with disabilities, and carries an estimated fiscal impact of $485,000 in year one and $586,000 in year two. Members asked about account limits and how the independence accounts work; DHS explained they must be established while the person is in the workers-with-disabilities category and can continue to be excluded in other Medicaid categories, with no cap on deposits. The committee also reviewed a permanent DHS mental health rule allowing general or medical-surgical hospitals to operate adolescent substance abuse units and bill Medicaid, following an emergency rule approved in June. DHS said the first such unit had opened at Unity in Searcy, with no other hospitals currently in the pipeline, and members discussed follow-up care, grant support, and the use of existing hospital infrastructure. Finally, the Department of Health presented an annual update to the controlled substances list, adding substances tied to Act 934 of 2025 on intoxicating hemp and other DEA/Arkansas concerns, with no public comments received. Health also proposed repealing the separate synthetic marijuana products rule because those substances are already covered by the controlled substances list. Both Health items were reviewed without objection, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Healy just going to Committee.
• So I hope it’s on your radar screen, and I hope that we can figure a way out of it.
• I hope it’s on your radar screen, and I hope that we can figure a way out of it.
• So I hope it's on your radar screen and I hope that we can figure a way out of it.
• And we're hoping to double that.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means