Transcript Highlights:

• Um, what we did is we didn't cut any services and we didn't pull back on any services.
• And again, there was no reduction to existing services. Existing services there would continue.
• So maybe provide a little further insight. services being cut from DHS, what I do services being cut
• Services. >> I'm Dave Nagel.
• </c><01:32:40.960><c> Then</c> environment they're living in. Then environment they're living in.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met on January 23, 2026, to approve prior minutes and receive an update from the Department of Health and Human Services. The main presentation focused on “Project Compass,” an internal cross-department effort to prepare for changes to Medicaid and SNAP eligibility. Department staff said the goal is to maintain continuous coverage for eligible people, align policy, operations, communications, legal, finance, and eligibility work, and use the new integrated New HEIGHTS system to streamline implementation. They emphasized outreach to beneficiaries, providers, managed care organizations, and other partners, and said temporary manual workarounds had already been used to stay in compliance with fast-moving SNAP changes. Members questioned how the department would avoid repeating the costly outreach effort used in a prior Medicaid work-requirement rollout. Department officials said they are focusing on ex parte processes, sharing eligibility information across programs, and using community partners to reduce duplicate contacts and paperwork. They also said the department is monitoring the SNAP error rate closely, expects automation and a planned system contract amendment to help reduce it, and noted that current error rates are trending downward and remain below the national average. Questions were also raised about possible future SNAP restrictions on certain foods; the department said it can implement whatever the legislature directs, but that defining and administering such restrictions would be complex. The commissioner and CFO then outlined the department’s budget reduction plan. They said the department has begun implementing required “back of the budget” reductions for fiscal year 2026, using contract savings and not cutting existing services where possible. Examples included dental and home-visitation contracts, where spending was adjusted based on utilization and projected need. Officials said they had already written down a little over $15 million in prior-year encumbrances, but that this one-time source will not be available next year, making fiscal year 2027 more difficult. They also explained the difference between legally required back-of-budget cuts and lapse, and said staffing remains a major challenge because vacancies have increased and customer-facing service levels are strained. Dr. Jonathan Ballard then began an update on opioid overdose fatalities, presenting the latest medical examiner data and describing the long-term rise in deaths after fentanyl entered the illicit drug supply, with a peak in 2017 and a later increase in 2022. The transcript cuts off before his full presentation and any further committee action beyond discussion of the minutes and receipt of the department updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00.880><c> into</c><00:21:01.120><c> our</c> into transition readiness, into our into transition readiness
• </c> see them doing community service see them doing community service learning<00:36:15.520><c> about
• </c><01:09:20.279><c> for</c> not directly related to um services for not directly related to um services
• </c><01:35:28.880><c> to</c><01:35:29.199><c> our</c> variety of services to our variety of services
• </c><01:43:13.960><c> directors,</c> district, food service directors, district, food service directors

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:12 Attendance Roll Call: 00:00:33 Kentucky’s New Assessment and Accountability Model Update: 00:03:50 Federal Education Policy and Its Impact on States: 01:00:55 Educational Leadership Training Opportunities in Kentucky: 01:26:44 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations: 02:10:38 Adjournment: 02:13:57, 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Education met for its first interim meeting and established a quorum before taking up its first topic, Kentucky’s new assessment and accountability model. Commissioner Robbie Fletcher, joined by KDE staff and superintendents, described a multi-year effort involving the Kentucky “Now We Learn” Council, more than 50 educators and stakeholders, at least 18 pilot districts, surveys, focus groups, town halls, and four prototype frameworks. He emphasized three priorities for the new model: vibrant learning experiences, innovation in assessment, and collaboration with communities. Fletcher said the state accountability portion would continue to meet federal requirements and identify CSI/TSI/ATSI schools, while shifting toward more emphasis on individual student growth, grade-level equivalency in reading and math, career and technical education, graduation rate, and English language proficiency. He also said science would remain a required assessment but be reported separately rather than counted in the CSI/TSI calculation. He stressed that the model should focus on growth, local flexibility, and meaningful measures that reflect community expectations, while still preserving a statewide framework. The committee also heard from Bullitt County superintendent Jesse Bacon, who described his district’s local accountability work. He said Bullitt County formed a community coalition with broad representation from across the district, business leaders, and community members, met six times during the school year, and worked toward a public-facing dashboard that would show community expectations, evidence of accountability, and areas for improvement. Bacon said the district identified six community-defined pillars, beginning with student learning and foundational academic knowledge, as part of a system intended to communicate strengths and improvement areas to the public.

Transcript Highlights:

• But it's a skill that can save lives. It's demonstrated to save lives.
• But it's a skill that can save lives. It's demonstrated to save lives.
• But it's a skill that can save lives. It's demonstrated to save lives.
• But it's a skill that can save lives. It's demonstrated to save lives.
• But it's a skill that can save lives. It's demonstrated to save lives.

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The committee opened by explaining it would work through a long list of interim topics one at a time and asked members to complete a selection form at the end. The first topic, long-term care, drew testimony from AARP Wyoming and the Wyoming Long-Term Care Association. AARP emphasized Wyoming’s aging population, the state’s roughly $200 million annual Medicaid spending on long-term care, and the need to examine whether more support for home-based care could reduce nursing home use and costs. The association agreed with supporting people at home as long as possible, but asked that any study also consider increased support for nursing homes and assisted living when home care is no longer feasible. Committee discussion also touched on adult day care and PACE-like services, with Mr. Laycock noting prior Department of Health discussion and limited adult day availability due to reimbursement concerns. The committee then heard proposals for neonatal intensive care unit family leave, expanded midwifery scope, and a modification to workers’ compensation law. The NICU leave idea, presented by the Wyoming Women’s Foundation, would explore leave options for families with premature infants in intensive care, potentially paid or unpaid, while considering business size and the burden on families who may need out-of-state care. The midwifery topic was framed as a way to address rural maternity and women’s health gaps by allowing midwives to practice to the full extent of their training. On workers’ compensation, the Wyoming Association of Municipalities sought to classify dispatch personnel as first responders so they could receive mental health coverage under workers’ compensation; the Department of Workforce Services explained that current law covers dispatchers under workers’ compensation generally, but the first responder mental health provision added in 2018 applies to law enforcement and firefighters and does not currently include dispatchers. Other topics included problematic gaming and program funding, breast cancer diagnostic and supplemental exams, prescription drug coverage for advanced metastatic cancer, SNAP education, behavioral health workforce clinical training site shortages, CPR in schools, and broader midwifery oversight. The behavioral health workforce proposal, brought by a WICHE commissioner, focused on increasing psychology internship slots in Wyoming, noting that the state currently has only three and that expanding placements could improve recruitment and retention. The CPR in schools topic drew strong support from the American Heart Association, which argued that CPR training in high school could improve bystander response in a rural state with long EMS response times; committee members asked about cost and curriculum fit, and the witnesses said hands-only CPR could be taught by school staff rather than requiring expensive certification. The midwifery discussion later broadened into concerns about oversight and standards after a representative described a constituent’s pregnancy loss and said complaints involving midwifery practice and staffing delays in investigations warranted a deeper review. No votes were taken during the portion provided, and most topics were simply introduced, discussed, and left open for further testimony or later committee selection.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Commission's established practice over expansion, what the legislators asked it to do with transition
• We want to ensure that students and families have access to education services in our state and that

Summary: The Joint Administrative Rules Review Committee (JARC) met on July 31, 2026 to consider a citizen petition challenging the Washington State Charter School Commission’s April 2026 continuity of operations policy. Staff explained JARC’s authority under the Administrative Procedures Act and framed the issue as whether the Commission was using a policy in place of a rule, and whether that policy was within legislative intent. Staff also reviewed the Charter School Commission’s statutory framework, including limits on charter terms, transfer provisions involving the State Board of Education, and the Commission’s new process for identifying nonprofit operators to assume existing charter contracts when schools close or contracts are surrendered, revoked, or not renewed. The petitioner, Cesar Harrison, argued the Commission had created a new transfer mechanism through policy rather than rulemaking, potentially bypassing statutory procedures and extending charter authority beyond the five-year framework. Commission Executive Director Marcus Hardin responded that the policy was only a procedural framework for evaluating proposals, not a transfer of contracts or creation of new authority, and said the Commission had used similar discretionary processes before. Public testimony from the Washington Education Association supported the petition, emphasizing that the policy should have gone through formal rulemaking for transparency and public input. After discussion, committee members asked staff about the statute’s silence on contract continuation and the relationship between the Commission’s practice and legislative authorization. The committee then voted 7-0, with two members excused, to find that the Charter School Commission is using a policy or interpretive statement in place of a rule and that it is not within the intent of the Legislature as expressed by the statute. Staff explained that the finding will be sent to the agency, which must hold a hearing and then notify JARC of its intended action; JARC may later object to that action or take further steps. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But no, there was no debt service reserve.
• Gabrielle Santor with the Emergency Medical Services Authority.
• I hear you're not cutting services.
• Thank you so much. ...to be adding such a great service.
• He had a very rough transition from pediatrics to adulthood.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health heard updates on five health-related budget items. First, members reviewed state support for distressed hospitals and health facilities. The California Health Facilities Financing Authority and HCAI described the Distressed Hospital Loan Program as a lifeline for 16 hospitals, many of which remain financially strained and are expected to seek loan forgiveness rather than repayment. Speakers cited reduced contract labor, new service lines, strategic partnerships, and the reopening of Madera Hospital as signs of progress, but also warned that federal policy changes under H.R. 1 will likely increase uncompensated care and pressure emergency departments. Public commenters from hospital, dental, and consumer groups supported additional funding, including a request to refresh the program with another $300 million. The committee then heard HCAI’s update on the California Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year federal initiative funded at $233.6 million for California. HCAI said the program will focus on rural care models, workforce development, and health technology, with grants to be rolled out on a fast timeline and all funds obligated by October 30, 2026. Members raised concerns about rural provider capacity to apply for grants, and HCAI said it will use a third-party administrator, a technical assistance center, webinars, and other supports to help applicants. HCAI also presented its budget request for the health care payments database, seeking ongoing non-General Fund support to continue operations and expand data, including pharmacy benefit manager data. The Emergency Medical Services Authority presented three budget change proposals: funding to replace disaster medical services fleet vehicles, funding for IT security work, and additional positions for HR, enforcement, and legal workload. A member also raised concern that EMSA has not yet completed the annual ambulance rate reporting required by AB 716, and EMSA said it remains committed to the requirement but lost prior funding through later budget reductions. Covered California reported that it is still finalizing its own budget, but expects a lower operating budget due to efforts to reduce baseline costs and align spending with actual expenditures; it also projected enrollment declines tied to the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, H.R. 1, and federal rule changes, while noting that revenues may still rise because premiums are expected to increase. Finally, the Department of Managed Health Care outlined budget proposals tied to menopause coverage and education, PBM licensure and enforcement under AB 116 and SB 41, credentialing reforms under AB 1041, and prior authorization reporting under SB 306. Public testimony generally supported the menopause and PBM proposals, while also urging clearer language and attention to Medi-Cal parity. The hearing concluded after public comment, including additional advocacy for sickle cell services and rural health workforce funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• Clement hoage I live at 244 Marcy Street Clement hoage I live at 244 Marcy Street in<00:55:00.400><c>
• </c><01:04:04.039><c> there</c> Maine because you don't live there Maine because you don't live there
• </c> have a photo but people transition have a photo but people transition genders<01:06:54.160><c> people
• It's that they're presenting documentary proof that they live in that town.
• It's that they're presenting documentary proof that they live in that town.

Committee: House Election Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But no, there was no debt service reserve.
• as defined by the Health Resources and Services Administration.
• Gabrielle Santor with the Emergency Medical Services Authority.
• I hear you're not cutting services.
• He had a very rough transition from pediatrics to adulthood.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• through the US Postal Service.
• , Texas Workforce Commission, Department of Public Safety, Department of Aging and Disability Services
• The NVRA also requires that Health and Human Services, the Department of Aging and Disability Services
• , public libraries, distribute registration forms with each application for renewal for their services
• Uh, thank you, Chairman and members for this lively discussion. Um, very appreciated.

Bills: HB304

Committee: House Elections

Keywords: franchise tax credit, food desert, grocery store, healthy corner store, nutrition assistance, economic development, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• And that was a happening around the transition between the Dayton and the Walz administrations.
• I'm looking at you, the Human Services Committee, the Health Committee.
• I'm looking at you, the Human Services Committee, the Health Committee.
• I'm looking at you, the Human Services I'm looking at you, the Human Services Committee,<00:43:48.200
• ,</c><00:45:10.400><c> but</c> in the Department of Human Services, but in the Department of Human Services

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We do not have enough money to fund all of our services.
• </c><00:03:37.640><c> Um</c> lives as a result of having that. Um lives as a result of having that.
• </c><00:04:22.680><c> School</c> fund all of our services. School fund all of our services.
• Placement and service IEP process.
• They prevent violence and they save kids' lives.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard House File 3493, the Safe Schools Revenue Increase bill, and first adopted the DE amendment before moving the bill on for re-referral to Ways and Means. Representative Lawrence described the bill as a multi-layered school safety package for all students and schools, including public, nonpublic, charter, and tribal schools, with increased safety funding, mental health support, anonymous threat reporting, school safety plans, and student discipline changes. Several supporters emphasized the need for flexible safety funding and cited real-world safety concerns, including anonymous tip systems that had generated many reports, classroom evacuations, staff injuries, and the need for more resources for mental health and safety infrastructure. Some supporters, including charter school leaders and Catholic Conference testimony, argued the bill’s flexibility and broader safety approach were important, while others supported the K-3 suspension language as a needed tool in severe cases. Opponents focused heavily on the bill’s repeal of Minnesota’s K-3 suspension ban and non-exclusionary discipline requirements. Legal aid, disability advocates, and education groups argued that suspensions harm young children, worsen disparities, and disproportionately affect students of color and students with disabilities, and they urged the committee to keep restorative and non-exclusionary practices in place. Disability advocates also asked that any safety planning explicitly account for students with disabilities and that the bill remain aligned with IDEA protections and individualized education decisions. Several testifiers opposed using public funds for private schools, saying public money should stay in public programs. Other testimony came from school administrators and staff who supported restoring limited suspension discretion, describing serious elementary incidents, classroom evacuations, and injuries that they said required a short-term removal option to stabilize classrooms and plan for students’ return. Mental health and school support personnel witnesses stressed that safety and mental health funding should remain distinct and that more counselors, social workers, and related staff are needed to address student crises. No final vote on the bill itself was taken in the portion provided beyond adoption of the DE amendment and the motion to re-refer the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a transition that will be incremental and take place over the next 10 years.
• Because from what I see in my district, parents look for schools to live close to schools that are A
• And, you know, when I have No, to live close to schools that are A schools.

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered two bills. The first, PCS for HB 1565, would expand permitted purchases under the Personalized Education Program scholarship to include digital devices, clarify statutory terms, and distinguish between parent-directed part-time programs and full-time instructor-led programs. Rep. Hinson questioned oversight and misuse safeguards, while the sponsor said existing statutory and SFO oversight already applies. Public testimony included support from the James Madison Institute, and the bill was reported favorably by a 12-1 vote. The committee then heard PCS for HB 1483, the SCORE Act, which would gradually align Florida’s school grading scale with the familiar A-F scale used for students over a 10-year transition. The sponsor argued that current school grades are inflated and confusing to parents, and said the bill would also expand early support identification from pre-K through 8th grade. Members raised concerns about the impact on public and charter schools, low-income communities, teacher workload, resources, property values, and whether the bill should be paired with funding and professional development. Public testimony included an ESE teacher asking about funding and class size, one opponent from Orange County teachers, and a proponent from Florida Citizens Alliance. After extensive debate, the committee voted 12-5 to report PCS for HB 1483 favorably. Supporters said the bill would improve transparency and accountability for parents and create pressure to raise standards, while opponents warned it could sharply increase lower-rated schools without sufficient resources and could mislead the public about school performance during the transition.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:31:33.000><c> which</c> education and counseling services which education and counseling services
• </c> we've seen an increase in our service we've seen an increase in our service numbers<00:32:02.639
• </c><00:32:28.240><c> as</c> mortgages uh or down payment services as mortgages uh or down payment services
• I live in Apple Valley. I am a renter. I'm the sole provider of my family.
• </c> of housing in Greater Minnesota I live of housing in Greater Minnesota I live in<01:08:46.839><c

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Service to the public, as well as increasing public confidence in government.
• And I think the other one had to do with a lease with McDonald's and service plazas.
• But they shouldn't look like a service station, you know.
• It's the same with the service plazas. Somebody is negotiating as a counterparty with five...
• It's the same with the service plazas.

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to live our lives in always teaching how to live our lives in Christ.
• Who does not ... every living thing. You have made us in every living thing.
• living? living?
• </c> treatment protocols that saves lives. treatment protocols that saves lives.
• </c> lives. Thank you. lives. Thank you.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, July 14, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• experienced in our two prior meetings, we are happy to pause for questions at those functional transitions
• It was largely students that lived there.
• want to do if patients who live in want to do if patients who live in Greater<00:50:39.960><c> Minnesota
• </c><01:05:06.920><c> which</c> thing that is changing our lives which thing that is changing our lives
• Forest Service, and EPA to be investing in some of these projects we're driving.

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:11:57.839><c> in</c><00:11:57.959><c> Deerfield</c> and I live in Deerfield and I live in Deerfield
• Health and Human Services has one.
• </c><00:43:44.160><c> thank</c> her service thank her service thank you<00:43:46.079><c> thank</c><00
• This program specifically provides those services.
• Come in and thank you for your service.

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I live in Manchester.
• I live in Manchester.
• I live in Manchester.
• I live in Manchester.
• I'm with the Bureau of Child Support Services, Department of Health and Human Services.

Committee: Senate Children and Family Law

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Living Spirit of wisdom and grace, we gather today as the days lengthen and the light of spring returns
• I'd come out of my parents' divorce a few years ago, was in a new school, and kind of lived in my own
• I had so many phone calls during that time, and that type of adversity I didn't have to live through.
• I lived two different types of adversity.
• I should not have been able to transition. It would not have truly been me.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :52.320><c> and</c> Caroline's dedication to service and Caroline's dedication to service and outdoor
• </c> and led a complex Eagle Scout service and led a complex Eagle Scout service project<00:15:02.800
• </c><00:28:33.520><c> HB</c> FN Health and Human Services HB FN Health and Human Services HB 232-<00:
• </c> school for special education services school for special education services that<01:32:32.159><c
• </c> allowed to use these services already. allowed to use these services already.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so if this is your district or this is where you live, there are tremendous opportunities.
• That's the reality for tens of millions of families that are living with dementia.
• And it's actually, you know, upstream is really where we live and whereby companies like Danaher and
• That's the reality for tens of millions of families that are living with dementia.
• We are more than willing to pay a premium for access to the incredible talent that lives here.

Keywords: 988, house, all