Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for all your leadership and service. I've lived in Washington for over 10 years.
• But more importantly, I want to reflect on the confirmation hearing we had in human services recently
• But more importantly, I want to reflect on the confirmation hearing we had in human services recently
• , where She has served as the chief of staff at the Health and Human Services, Senior Advisor of the
• But more importantly, I want to reflect on the confirmation hearing we had in human services recently

Bills: SB5223 , SB5928 , SB6071 , SB5995 , SB5966 , SB5841 , SB6061 , SB5944 , SB5520 , SB6087 , SB6076 , SB5916 , SB6016 , SB6137 , SB6009 , SB5833 , SB6161 , SB5890 , SB5973 , SJM8015 , SB5816 , SB5053 , SB5249 , SB5536 , SB5834 , SB5837 , SB5872 , SB5879 , SB5899 , SB5925 , SB6019 , SB6148 , SB6190 , SB6237 , SB6086 , SB5574 , SB5873 , SB5992 , SB5924 , SB6134 , SB6263 , SB5395 , SB6282 , SB5905 , SB6302 , SB5950 , SB6074 , SB6096 , SB5970 , SB5609 , SB5827 , SB5838 , SB5845 , SB5862 , SB5880 , SB5901 , SB5922 , SB5943 , SB5971 , SB5975 , SB5981 , SB5982 , SB5984 , SB5988 , SB5994 , SB6034 , SB6035 , SB6070 , SB6097 , SB6110 , SB6246 , SB6248 , SB6278 , SJM8016 , SB5496 , SB6054 , SB5835 , SB5907 , SB6031 , SB6155 , SB6158 , SB6227 , SB5947 , SB6247 , SB6085 , SB6234 , SB6274 , SB6194 , SB5909 , SB5868 , SB6026 , SB5974 , SB6044 , SB5906 , SB6081 , SB6239 , SB5923 , SB6323 , SB6210 , SB6045 , SB6106 , SB5346 , SB6089 , SB6170 , SB5954 , SB5968

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, wildfire risk, disclosure, safety, environmental policy, risk assessment, overpayment recovery, modernization, health care, legislation, zero emission, cargo handling, port district, environmental impact, grant allocation, healthcare

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for all your leadership and service. I've lived in Washington for over 10 years.
• term serving at the pleasure of the governor as Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services
• But more importantly, I want to reflect on the confirmation hearing we had in human services recently
• But more importantly, I want to reflect on the confirmation hearing we had in human services recently
• I want to reflect on the confirmation hearing we had in Human Services recently, where I walked in and

Bills: SB5223 , SB5928 , SB6071 , SB5995 , SB5966 , SB5841 , SB6061 , SB5944 , SB5520 , SB6087 , SB6076 , SB5916 , SB6016 , SB6137 , SB6009 , SB5833 , SB6161 , SB5890 , SB5973 , SJM8015 , SB5816 , SB5053 , SB5249 , SB5536 , SB5834 , SB5837 , SB5872 , SB5879 , SB5899 , SB5925 , SB6019 , SB6148 , SB6190 , SB6237 , SB6086 , SB5574 , SB5873 , SB5992 , SB5924 , SB6134 , SB6263 , SB5395 , SB6282 , SB5905 , SB6302 , SB5950 , SB6074 , SB6096 , SB5970 , SB5609 , SB5827 , SB5838 , SB5845 , SB5862 , SB5880 , SB5901 , SB5922 , SB5943 , SB5971 , SB5975 , SB5981 , SB5982 , SB5984 , SB5988 , SB5994 , SB6034 , SB6035 , SB6070 , SB6097 , SB6110 , SB6246 , SB6248 , SB6278 , SJM8016 , SB5496 , SB6054 , SB5835 , SB5907 , SB6031 , SB6155 , SB6158 , SB6227 , SB5947 , SB6247 , SB6085 , SB6234 , SB6274 , SB6194 , SB5909 , SB5868 , SB6026 , SB5974 , SB6044 , SB5906 , SB6081 , SB6239 , SB5923 , SB6323 , SB6210 , SB6045 , SB6106 , SB5346 , SB6089 , SB6170 , SB5954 , SB5968

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, wildfire risk, disclosure, safety, environmental policy, risk assessment, overpayment recovery, modernization, health care, legislation, zero emission, cargo handling, port district, environmental impact, grant allocation, healthcare

Summary: The Senate convened with roll call, the colors presented by the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a prayer by Pastor Jesse Bradley. The journal was approved, and the chamber received House messages announcing passage of several bills, including House Bill 1687, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1960, House Bill 102, and Substitute House Bill 1. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 8684, which honored Washingtonians with ties to Team USA at the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Milano-Cortina. Senator Riccelli spoke in support, praising the athletes’ determination and Washington connections. The resolution passed by voice vote. The Senate next considered gubernatorial appointments. Brian C. Bennett was confirmed 49-0 as Director of the Washington State Lottery, with Senator Lovick speaking in support and highlighting Bennett’s public service and transition-team work. Angela Ramirez was then confirmed 49-0 as Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services, with Senators Claire Wilson and Christian praising her experience, commitment, and attention to human services issues. After the confirmations, the Senate stood at ease for caucuses.

Transcript Highlights:

• The substitute clarifies that only medically necessary services that are covered by the health plan may
• The same service with a comparable... ...provider can vary by thousands of dollars from one provider
• So, the challenge is because you've got the 300 shopper services that you have to deal with, you know
• Most Texans will not be able to pay for our mental health services out of pocket.
• Networks to make sure that patients get the best prices for these services.

Bills: HB345 , HB721 , HB2580 , SB815 , HB3057 , HB4603 , HB3233 , SB495 , HB3863 , HB3914 , HB4570 , HB5099 , HB5173 , SB458

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: insurance, appraisal process, disputed losses, residential property, policyholder rights, insurer obligations, natural disasters, appraisal expenses, umpire selection, policyholder, insurer, umpire, claims management, health care, cost disclosure, benefit plan, administrators, traumatic brain injury, health benefit plans, insurance coverage

Transcript Highlights:

• of service providers that create a lot of destitution in and around their service provision.
• We know that when you look at the data on homelessness, who's receiving services, homeless services,
• and you look at the... ...services, homeless services, and you look at the arrest reports and things
• , those services aren't being a drag on the community.
• So it's not that old fee-for-service model.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill also expands the access to telehealth services, making sure more people, especially our folks
• For those who can't leave their jobs or can't find childcare, and for people who have limited mobility
• Massage therapy is a health care service and deserves to be regulated by a state board like all other
• In LA, the advertised cost of internet service is systematically higher in neighborhoods with higher
• In addition to disparate pricing, our community's faith disparate service quality.

Committee: House Business and Professions

Transcript Highlights:

• And these are all Medicaid coverage services under the prospective payment system.
• You can focus on veteran services. You can focus on justice involved.
• service provision.
• , those services aren't being a drag on the community.
• So it's not that old fee-for-service model.

Summary: The committee first approved a motion, then heard a lengthy presentation on homelessness policy and behavioral health. Testimony focused on the view that Arkansas should shift toward more data-driven, outcomes-based responses to homelessness, including stronger treatment options for serious mental illness and substance use disorder, better data collection, provider accountability, and possible statewide use of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model. Speakers from Fort Smith, Restore Hope, Our House, and Western Arkansas Counseling described local work, the need for better coordination across providers, and the role of crisis services, ACT teams, and employment support. Members asked about sex offender tracking, the difference between sheltered and unsheltered homelessness, how to scale successful programs statewide, and whether Arkansas could apply for a statewide Continuum of Care or CCBHC planning grant. The discussion also touched on camping bans, civil commitment, and federal funding changes, with several speakers urging the state to pursue the CCBHC planning grant and more transparent reporting systems. After the homelessness discussion, the committee moved through a series of Department of Energy and Board of Nursing rule reviews. DEQ proposed updating the post-closure cleanup threshold for solid waste matters from $50,000 to $2 million to match Act 791 of 2025, and members asked about financial assurance and oversight; the rule was reviewed without objection. The Board of Nursing then presented multiple rule changes tied to recent acts, including adding fees for dialysis patient care technician registration, expanding contact-information requirements, implementing APRN delegation authority to unlicensed workers, clarifying APRN authority for death certificates and durable medical equipment prescriptions, updating certified medication assistant training and insulin-injection authority, and conforming independent-practice rules for clinical nurse specialists. Each rule was reviewed without objection. Near the end of the meeting, Senator Irvin announced that UAMS had completed its NCI designation submission for the Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institute, calling it an important milestone for the state. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It wouldn't be an approved service necessarily, if that makes sense. Any other questions?
• It wouldn't be an approved service service service necessarily,<00:31:18.480><c> if</c><00:31:18.720>
• </c> conjunction with a preschool childcare conjunction with a preschool childcare center<00:37:12.240
• </c> support services that are available. support services that are available.
• </c> council provides a valuable uh service council provides a valuable uh service to<02:48:43.200><c

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 69, including a germane amendment about local school boards’ acceptance or rejection of gifts and donations and a non-germane amendment creating a virtual early childhood readiness family engagement program for preschool children not yet in kindergarten. Rep. Cordelli said the early literacy proposal was a modified version of an earlier kindergarten readiness bill, would rely on gifts and donations rather than state appropriations, and would include reporting requirements. Members questioned the shift from a broader technology program to an online-only model, the lack of detailed evaluation metrics, how long children would use the program, and whether it was appropriate for very young children. Cordelli said the change was intended to avoid government dependence and still allow the program to be offered next school year. Several members raised concerns about the gift-acceptance language on the underlying bill, including whether school boards would need to vote on small donations, whether gifts could be handled in blocks or at regular meetings, and how anonymous donations would work under right-to-know laws. Rep. Han noted that some gift discussions might belong in non-public session under RSA 91-A, while Rep. Cornell said acceptance or rejection of gifts could be handled at regular meetings and suggested a dollar threshold could be added later. The New Hampshire School Boards Association said it was not taking a position but wanted clearer guardrails, policy guidance, and clarification on timing, anonymity, and public-meeting requirements. Supporters of the early childhood program, including Waterford.org, said the proposal would provide an evidence-based, adaptive online literacy program with family engagement for four- and five-year-olds, and that it could help close early learning gaps. Waterford said it could work collaboratively with school districts and IEP teams, and that it would provide devices and internet access for families who need them. Committee members pressed on how the program would interact with existing special education services and whether districts could use it as part of an IEP; the response was that it would be supplementary and not an approved special education service. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair indicated the committee would later executive the bills and try to get reports filed promptly.

Transcript Highlights:

• to</c><00:19:27.880><c> get</c><00:19:28.000><c> in</c><00:19:28.120><c> the</c><00:19:28.240><c> childcare
• </c><00:19:28.840><c> business</c> decide to get in the childcare business decide to get in the childcare
• She said building back this model is important for emergency services child care.
• 00:52:32.319><c> to</c><00:52:32.520><c> have</c><00:52:32.799><c> emergency</c><00:52:33.400><c> services
• </c><00:52:34.240><c> healthc</c> us to have emergency services healthc us to have emergency services

Bills: HF656 , HF655 , HF633

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm proud to see them with the help of the Child Protective Services.
• Friends stopped inviting me to social events since I didn't have childcare.
• It could ensure that these services are fully covered by Medicare.
• Making sure that Medicare reimburses those services.
• So maybe services through pediatrician's offices at a minimum? Yes.

Committee: Senate Aging (Special) Committee

Keywords: opioid crisis, overdose, naloxone, drug trafficking, law enforcement, treatment, prevention, older adults, Medicaid expansion

Summary: The meeting convened to address the dire opioid crisis affecting communities nationwide, with a particular focus on the alarming rise of opioid use disorder among older adults. Key testimonies highlighted the critical need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses prevention, treatment, and strict law enforcement actions against drug traffickers. Sheriff Dennis Lima from Seminole County outlined successful strategies implemented in Florida, including increased access to naloxone and legislative changes to hold drug dealers accountable for overdoses. Various members expressed a united front on tackling this multifaceted issue, advocating for the expansion of Medicaid and better access to treatment as essential steps to curbing the epidemic.

Transcript Highlights:

• facing significant challenges, including higher rates of unemployment and limited access to necessary Services

Bills: SJR39 , SJR47 , SB227 , SB1942 , SB1627 , SB625 , SB1716 , SB1303 , SB2180 , SB504 , SB1209 , SB1448 , SB1597 , SB1679 , SB2182 , SB2112 , SB2170 , SB2084 , SB1496 , SB1595 , SB1655 , SB1876 , SB1621 , SB1944 , SB1266 , SB2072 , SB2104 , SB1769 , SB1827

Keywords: property valuation, tax limit, homestead, income threshold, elderly, constitutional amendment, voter ID, elections, Oklahoma, proof of identity, gross production tax, ad valorem tax, property exemption, Oklahoma Tax Commission, oil and gas production, regulatory impact, economic implications, dental insurance, health care, medical necessity

Transcript Highlights:

• FOR A MOMENT OF SILENCE TO HONOR THE LIFE OF BILL PRESTON, WHO DEDICATED FIVE DECADES TO THE FIRE SERVICE
• THEREFORE, CHIEF DEPUTY HOBBS, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND WELCOME TO THE FLORIDA HOUSE.
• FOLLOWING CHANGES MADE TO THE SERVICE OF PROCESS.
• History through sisterhood, scholarship, and supreme service.
• In America, if you are a man, you must sign up for selective service at the age of 18.

Keywords: sales tax reduction, budget cuts, boating safety, water treatment, municipal utilities, school safety, medical malpractice, firearm purchase age, cursive writing instruction, first responder support, veto overrides, veterans funding, infrastructure projects

Summary: The Florida House convened for regular business, with Speaker Perez announcing historic budget plans including the largest state tax cut in Florida history - a permanent 0.75% sales tax reduction from 6% to 5.25%, saving Floridians nearly $5 billion annually. The House will propose a budget lower than both the Governor's proposal and last year's budget. Several bills passed including Lucy's Law (boating safety), water access facilities funding, municipal utility rate corrections, hazardous walking conditions for schools, and medical malpractice 'Free Kill Law' repeal. The controversial firearm purchase age bill (HB 759) passed 78-34, lowering the minimum age from 21 to 18, despite emotional opposition citing the Parkland shooting. Other bills addressed cursive writing instruction, peer support for first responders, and government sunset reviews. Multiple veto override motions were approved unanimously, reinstating funding for veterans programs and infrastructure projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the service to the state of Oklahoma from the governor of...
• But we're here today to celebrate 100 years of quality faith-based service that Ascension Saint John
• We have no money for childcare subsidies.
• House Bill 3323 by Osborne of the House and Yfried of the Senate relates to service Oklahoma.
• If I have my service members consume this beverage, they could potentially pop positive for THC.

Bills: HB4104 , HB3722 , HB3787 , HB3700 , HB3701 , HB3310 , HB3404 , HB2964 , HB2398 , HB3024 , HB3499 , HB3278 , HB3279 , HB3645 , HB3649 , HB2293 , HB3260 , HB3176 , HB3177 , HB3114 , HB3172 , HB3322 , HB3323 , HB4248 , HB3720 , HB2210 , HB1322 , HB1937 , HB3301 , HB4107

Keywords: Oklahoma criminal law, felony classification, Class B5, Class D1, sentencing enhancement, repeat offender, domestic violence, stalking, voyeurism, peeping tom, clandestine recording, hidden camera, privacy offense, sex offender registry, Sex Offenders Registration Act, protective order violation, animal cruelty, cockfighting, dogfighting, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• We also provide everyday services to business owners to help them start, grow, invest in California.
• Good afternoon, Abigail Smit, representing the San Gabriel Valley Conservation and Service Corps, the
• We provide critical services and immediate employment to people returning from incarceration, a long
• time wraparound vocational service that aid participants in the pursuit of quality jobs.
• So all they did for escrow service is, say, it's $7.2 million, they're $7.2 million, and that's it.

Bills: HR320 , HR321 , HR308 , HR309 , HR310 , HR311 , HR312 , HR313 , HR314 , HR315 , HR316 , HR317 , HR318 , HR319 , SCR65 , SCR74 , SCR76 , HR245 , SCR30 , SCR40 , HB1259 , SB4 , SB52 , SB57 , SB83 , SB145 , SB152 , SB194 , SB276 , SB319 , SB333 , SB448 , SB450 , SB465 , SB484 , SB501 , SB509 , HR73 , HR118 , HR144 , HR196 , HR237 , HR249 , HR260 , HR267 , HR272 , HR278 , HCR85 , HCR100 , HCR105 , HCR107 , HCR114 , SCR5 , SCR29 , SCR33 , SCR37 , SCR63 , HB62 , HB193 , HB210 , HB220 , HB246 , HB364 , HB420 , HB475 , HB584 , HB622 , HB772 , HB784 , HB949 , HB953 , HB1043 , HB1070 , HB1092 , HB1134 , HB1162 , HB1176 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB119 , HB129 , HB233 , HB283 , HB538 , HB789 , HB850 , HB870 , HB1236 , HB1241 , HB378 , HB509 , HB1090 , SB80 , SB131 , SB143 , SB251 , SB254 , SB279 , SB367 , SB384 , SB388 , SB389 , SB398 , SB408 , SB431 , SB468 , SB469 , SB496 , SB149 , HB463 , HB998 , SB123 , SB353 , SB479 , SB495 , SB82 , SB97 , SB283 , SB326 , SB518 , SB197 , SB268 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HR168 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HCR98 , HB284 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB625 , HB646 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1191 , HB1240 , HB1255 , SB89 , HB74 , HB134 , HB258 , HB359 , HB468 , HB956 , HB1117 , SB29 , SB42 , SB43 , SB78 , SB217 , SB274 , SB300 , SB379 , SB382 , SB441 , SB449

Keywords: Arsenal, Arsenal F.C., Premier League, English football, soccer, football club, Mikel Arteta, Emirates Stadium, North London, Tottenham Hotspur, Gunners, sports resolution, commendation, celebration, championship, silverware, Louisiana House Resolution, ceremonial resolution, domestic violence, forensic medical examinations

Transcript Highlights:

• that residents of the AC Transit service area rely on.
• that residents of the AC Transit service area rely on.
• Good morning, Jennifer Robles, on behalf of the California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network.
• Good morning, Jennifer Robles on behalf of the California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network.
• Good morning, Jennifer Robles, on behalf of the California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network.

Committee: Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement

Transcript Highlights:

• protection and human services, our child protection services<01:29:21.600><c> includes</c><01:29:22.639
• </c> other bill, the other childcare bill. other bill, the other childcare bill.
• Health and Human Services. Um c did Health and Human Services.
• Um below that services block grant.
• </c> feel like some of the um childcare feel like some of the um childcare scholarship<03:34:32.160><

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session opened on February 13, 2026, with the chair outlining the committee’s advisory role and the possible motions available under House Rule 45. The committee then took up House Bill 1569, concerning the Philbrook Center/state hospital campus property, and heard extensive testimony from Commissioner Charlie Arlinghouse. He explained that the property is currently one parcel and state law prevents subdivision unless a separate Senate bill, identified as SB 572, is enacted to fix the legal issue. He said HB 2 directed the sale of the property but did not address subdivision or marketing details, and he characterized the $5 million revenue estimate as speculative. He also said the state would first offer the property to the city or county, which he viewed as the most practical buyer and potential partner for any subdivision work. Members asked whether the building should be retained for transitional housing or sold, what would happen after July 1, 2026, and whether other vacant state buildings could absorb the current occupants. Arlinghouse said there are no firm plans for the building if it is not sold, and that HHS would remain until a sale occurs. He described the building as not especially historic or attractive and noted plumbing issues, while also acknowledging HHS’s view that it could serve as transitional housing. He said there is no reserve stock of office space, that the state already rents substantial office space in Concord, and that some nearby state buildings are either under renovation or only partially usable. He also said the Executive Council would have to approve any sale and that moving costs are usually not budgeted in advance, leaving the using agency to absorb them. Several members raised concerns about relying on asset sales to balance the budget, citing past examples where projected real estate revenue did not materialize on schedule. Arlinghouse agreed that one-time revenue should generally be used for one-time expenses, but said the state sometimes has legitimate reasons to sell assets and that such decisions depend on the state’s needs. He estimated the state rents roughly 100,000 square feet of office space in Concord at about $25 per square foot, and said he would provide a more exact figure later. In response to a question about whether the state should include a right of first refusal if the property is later resold, he said that idea had not been considered but could make sense, especially if the buyer is the city or county. No votes were taken during this portion of the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are our options to fill our obligation, such as healthcare, childcare, and public safety.
• It allows for youth that receive an adult sentence to receive services from CYFD until age 21.
• It's why I ran for office And I can tell you that right now, our youth services center that Bernalillo
• and for improving the services in the community for our other kids who are in our system.
• Chairman and Senator, when I worked with a lot of our colleagues here to create the lactation services

Bills: HB2 , SB152

Committees: Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion

Transcript Highlights:

• The intake service centers and the statewide intake service centers and intake service centers and she'll
• Statewide pre-trial services.
• </c> of trying to connect them with services. of trying to connect them with services.
• </c> order to take part in the service. order to take part in the service.
• ><c> case</c> services, career services, housing, case services, career services, housing, case management

Transcript Highlights:

• plants made possible by pollinators, our ecosystems will collapse, and we will lose many of the services
• For the sake of our pollinators, the ecosystems of which they are an essential part, and the services
• The bill would limit the pesticides allowed on school and childcare grounds to those deemed minimum risk
• I'm Heather Klisch, the policy director for the Mass Service Alliance.
• These animals are a free pest management service, with one owl consuming thousands of mice per year.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hybrid hearing on a large slate of bills focused on pesticides, pollinators, rodenticides, mosquito control, invasive species, and local authority over pesticide regulation. Chair Becca Rausch set strict two-minute testimony limits due to the very large number of speakers. Early testimony from Senator Moore and Representative Hawkins strongly supported a bill to restrict second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, citing harms to wildlife, pets, and public health, and noting that California has already adopted a similar model. Testimony also supported a Lowell home rule petition to allow the city to prohibit or restrict these rodenticides, with local officials describing documented raptor poisonings and municipal efforts to phase out use on city property. A major portion of the hearing focused on pollinator protection and neonicotinoid-treated seeds. Witnesses from environmental groups, conservation organizations, academics, and beekeepers argued that neonics harm bees and other beneficial insects, contaminate soil and water, and provide little or no economic benefit in most corn and soybean fields. Several speakers pointed to New York, Vermont, and Quebec as models for restricting treated seeds, and one panel cited research showing only a small percentage of fields benefit economically from the treatments. Support was also voiced for a bill establishing an ecologically based mosquito management program, with advocates criticizing aerial and truck spraying and urging non-chemical, locally tailored approaches. Other testimony supported bills to reform the pesticide board and pesticide regulation process, to give vulnerable municipalities more local control over pesticide use, to protect schoolchildren from pesticides on school grounds, and to respond to invasive species through a centralized state office, coordinator, strategic plan, and trust fund. Many speakers, including representatives from Mass Audubon, MSPCA, the Xerces Society, the Sierra Club, watershed groups, and local wildlife rehabilitators, described impacts on hawks, owls, pets, fish, and broader ecosystems. No votes were taken during the hearing, and committee members generally asked few questions, with the hearing remaining in testimony mode throughout.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've all talked a lot recently about their efforts, the Department of Workforce Services' efforts, and
• have submitted a... ...or for services efforts and have submitted a waiver request to the Department
• and other things that are associated with that, we're not able to invest into direct participant services
• Food and Nutrition Service, they can approve a waiver for up to 15% of your population.
• They're trying to go to work, so they're getting childcare.

Committee: All ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The committee first heard from Arkansas Workforce Connections and the Department of Commerce about a package of nine federal waivers submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor under WIOA and Perkins. The officials said the waivers would give Arkansas more flexibility over governance, funding, affiliate centers, and program rules, and that the state expects a response by August 29. They said the package is modeled more closely on Louisiana’s approved waivers than on states with more denials, and outlined a possible transition plan if approved, including a transition committee, policy changes, board training, staffing, and follow-up legislation. Members asked about whether the waivers would affect services for people with disabilities; the officials said not directly, because the waivers focus on WIOA Titles I and III rather than vocational rehabilitation under Title IV. The committee then focused on “benefit cliffs” and work disincentives in safety-net programs. Researchers from the Georgia Center for Opportunity and the Alliance for Opportunity explained how earnings loss rates from taxes and benefit phaseouts can exceed 50%, 75%, or even 100%, making additional work or promotions financially unattractive. They presented Arkansas-specific modeling showing multiple cliffs and stacking effects across SNAP, Medicaid/CHIP, LIHEAP, WIC, reduced-price lunches, child care, and housing assistance, and argued that child care and health coverage create some of the largest disincentives. They suggested policy options including SNAP demonstration waivers, child care subsidy redesign, TANF outcome-based funding, Medicaid premium assistance and health savings accounts, and a possible small-scale pilot to test a more integrated safety net. Heather Webb of Arkansas Family Alliance and Molly Palmer of the Heart of Arkansas United Way added testimony from families, employers, and nonprofits. Webb described a working mother who lost Medicaid and a housing subsidy as her income rose, saying the cliff left her stressed despite earning more. Palmer said Arkansas’s ALICE population often works multiple jobs and still cannot meet basic living costs, and that employers report recruitment and retention problems when workers face benefit cliffs. Members asked for more data on savings and program impacts, and the witnesses said they could provide Arkansas-specific modeling and scenario analysis. The meeting ended with discussion of public-private partnerships, employer-sponsored insurance premium assistance, marriage penalties, and the need to coordinate or consolidate fragmented programs before adjourning.