Transcript Highlights:

• and other individuals who found success in psychedelic-assisted treatments for behavioral health conditions
• disorders, co-occurring substance use disorders, and treatment-resistant neurological or mental health conditions
• After a decade of treatment, my condition only became worse.
• They have been linked to the reduction in chronic inflammation, which is the number one cause of chronic

Bills: SCR37 , SB145 , SB237

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: informed consent, healthcare, medical procedures, patient rights, surgeon general, regulatory review, adult residential care, generators, emergency power, health safety, Louisiana Department of Health, compliance, regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• Investing in early learning pays the biggest dividends in terms of student outcomes, in terms of chronic
• know, having kindergarten also allows us to face many of the Challenges that we experience around chronic
• You're taking a tool specifically designed to streamline contracting and reduce costs and conditioning
• It's conditioned on both reduced competition, and that's not sound public policy.
• It's conditioned on both reduced competition and that's not sound public policy.

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• whether it's self-pay or otherwise, that generally means a provider who can diagnose an illness, manage chronic
• He explained that musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, joint injuries, and mobility limitations
• She said primary care traditionally means diagnosis of medical conditions and management of chronic disease
• someone who already struggled with disordered eating, this environment significantly worsened my condition

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• For those with chronic illnesses like cancer, those costs can pile up because no one applies for or chooses
• issue with anything saying, you know, on the writ paperwork that it would say that I have a medical condition
• I certainly don't want employers—my employer, it's none of their business if I have a medical condition—and
• in 2020, to support big-picture systemic solutions to pressing challenges that impact people with chronic
• conditions.

Bills: SB5962 , SB6105 , SB6203 , SB6296

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Keywords: spring blade knives, knife legislation, weapon regulation, public safety, law enforcement, medical debt, garnishment, wage garnishment, earnings exemption, exempt wages, debt collection, consumer debt, student loan debt, private student loans, disposable earnings, minimum wage, writ of garnishment, exemption claim, judgment debtor, creditor

Transcript Highlights:

• serious substance use disorder, uh serious complex<00:25:37.679><c> medical</c><00:25:38.080><c> conditions
• </c><00:25:38.559><c> So,</c><00:25:39.039><c> so</c><00:25:39.279><c> it</c> complex medical conditions
• So, so it complex medical conditions.
• The very condition that qualified her for care was being used to justify taking it away.
• And for people with disabilities or like Miss Chisum with a daughter with a chronic disease, um, it could

Committee: House Appropriations & Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• Since then, I've become involved with HPA, made a lot of friends who also suffer from this condition,
• </c><00:36:54.720><c> alone</c><00:36:55.040><c> or</c><00:36:55.200><c> in</c> faces this condition
• alone or in faces this condition alone or in isolation.<00:36:56.720><c> Living</c><00:36:56.960><c>
• </c><00:45:36.960><c> um</c> well as uh physical health conditions um well as uh physical health conditions
• </c> chronic homelessness. chronic homelessness.

Summary: The committee opened its Health and Human Services calendar, noted quorum, and first took up HB 194. The chair explained amendments to add an exemption for a person invited by a patient to attend a birth outside an accredited birth facility when no compensation is involved, remove a date reference in section 9, and accept Department of Health amendments. Members raised no objections, and the committee voted to pass HB 194 with amendments. The committee then heard HB 139 on insurance, with the Attorney General flagging possible unlawful delegation issues and suggesting clarifying language, while the Insurance Division stood on written testimony. A number of health organizations and advocates, including HMSA, Hawaii Association of Health Plans, oncology and fertility groups, testified in support. HB 613 on homeless youth drew broad support from state agencies, counties, youth advocates, and community groups; testimony emphasized the need for permanent safe spaces and more attention to unaccompanied minors, with one witness asking for clarity on funding and shelter capacity. HB 71 on a tax credit for family caregivers drew support from AARP, Alzheimer’s and children’s advocates, and several individuals, while the Tax Foundation raised concerns about blank provisions and the cost-effectiveness of administering a small credit. The Department of Taxation said a prior version with a $5,000 nonrefundable credit would have cost the general fund about $397.4 million. HB 716 on health care technology support received strong support from SHPDA, OHIN, and many provider groups, who described it as a one-time investment of roughly $20–25 million to connect rural and neighbor island providers to electronic health records; members questioned how the grant program would be allocated. HB 799 on physician hospital privileges also drew mixed testimony: supporters said it would align Hawaii with updated CMS rules and improve access, especially on Maui, while Maui Health and some members worried it could reduce on-call coverage and hospital safety, leading to discussion of a possible report and sunset date.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think, you know, 57.2% of our students have a mental health condition, and 27% of those students are
• I think, you know, 57.2% of our students have a mental health condition, and 27% of those students are
• It's been a chronic challenge, I know.
• It's been a chronic challenge, I know.
• It's been a chronic challenge, I know.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tran, who has high blood pressure and high cholesterol, whose conditions are well controlled on appropriate
• conditions can worsen and quickly become life-threatening emergencies.
• It simply delays treatment until conditions become life-threatening and more costly.
• Many are elderly community members who are not eligible for retirement, who have chronic health issues
• Many are elderly community members who are not eligible for retirement, who have chronic health issues

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the impacts of H.R. 1 and related federal actions on Covered California, Medi-Cal, and immigrant access to care. The chair framed the discussion around three main issues: expected losses in marketplace coverage as enhanced federal premium subsidies expire, new federal work and renewal requirements that would add administrative burden to Medi-Cal, and the loss of eligibility for certain lawfully present immigrants. Covered California testified that H.R. 1 and new federal rules, combined with the end of enhanced premium tax credits, are driving higher premiums, lower new enrollment, and more cancellations, especially among middle-income, Latino, and Black enrollees. The agency said California’s $190 million state subsidy program is helping lower-income enrollees but cannot replace the lost federal assistance, and it noted that roughly 120,000 lawfully present immigrants in Covered California will lose federal tax credits in 2027. On Medi-Cal, the Department of Health Care Services said H.R. 1 will require work and community engagement verification, six-month renewals for certain adults, and other changes that the department expects will reduce enrollment substantially. DHCS estimated 233,000 members could lose coverage by June 2027 from the work requirement and 289,000 from six-month renewals, with losses rising much higher by 2028; it also said it is using automation, outreach, clinic navigators, coverage ambassadors, community health workers, and street medicine providers to reduce procedural disenrollments. The department described a two-phase outreach plan and said it is working with counties on implementation, while the Department of Finance said the Governor’s budget maintains $190 million for the state subsidy program and does not propose additional changes at this time. The LAO said its independent forecast is somewhat higher than the administration’s, estimating about 2.1 million fewer Medi-Cal enrollees by June 2028, and urged the Legislature to review county administrative workload and readiness. Public testimony and member comments focused on the human and fiscal consequences of coverage losses. A representative from the Sacramento Native American Health Center warned that reduced reimbursement and coverage losses would destabilize community health centers, increase uncompensated care, and worsen outcomes by pushing patients into emergency care. Members raised concerns about paperwork burdens, county capacity, outreach effectiveness, and whether the state should do more to preserve coverage, including possible modeling of additional H-CARF spending and support for middle-income consumers and immigrant enrollees. The hearing did not take any votes or formal actions, but it ended with public comment and continued discussion of implementation and budget options.

Transcript Highlights:

• Given the state's current fiscal condition, we think this reduction will help avoid worsening the structural
• This could help put the state in a better fiscal condition and help avoid reductions in the level of
• re really trying to monitor both where contractors cannot fulfill their full contract or will have chronic
• I'm sure CDE can attest to that when we talk about chronic absenteeism, right, that we're still trying
• I'm sure CDE can attest to that when we talk about the chronic absenteeism, right, that we're still trying

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittees on early childhood education heard a broad review of the Governor’s child care and preschool budget proposals, with testimony from the Department of Finance, the Department of Social Services (CDSS), the California Department of Education (CDE), and the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO). The main topics were cost-of-care-plus and COLA adjustments, the California State Preschool Program, child care slot reductions tied to federal and Proposition 64 funding changes, disaster recovery grants for child care facilities, trailer bill proposals on family fees and absences, prospective pay, and several budget change proposals for departmental staffing and licensing. Officials also discussed the state’s transition toward an alternative methodology for setting rates based on the true cost of care. On rate reform, CDSS and CDE said the current reimbursement system remains below the alternative methodology in many counties and that providers continue to struggle with recruitment and retention. The LAO recommended aligning cost-of-care-plus increases across provider types, while CDE urged that any COLA be added to base rates rather than cost-of-care-plus payments because providers view the latter as less ongoing. CDSS said the next alternative methodology update will be developed with a contractor during fiscal year 2026-27, with public engagement and legislative input, and estimated that fully transitioning to rates informed by the methodology would take about 24 months once policy and funding are in place. CDSS also said the direct-service cost of care under the methodology was estimated at about $18.7 billion in a July 2025 report. A major point of contention was the proposed reduction of 4,167 child care slots due to lower federal CCDF funding and reduced Proposition 64 revenue. CDSS said it expects to absorb the reduction through unspent funds and relinquishments so currently enrolled children are not disrupted, while the LAO supported the reduction as a way to avoid worsening the structural deficit. Members strongly objected to the slot cuts, arguing the administration has repeatedly proposed reductions after prior budget agreements and emphasizing the economic and family benefits of child care. The committee also discussed preschool enrollment trends, including growth in three-year-old enrollment and a sharp increase in two-year-olds served under a temporary provision, with CDE warning that the temporary two-year-old authority expires in 2027. The committee also reviewed an $11.5 million Proposition 64 proposal for child care infrastructure grants for facilities impacted by 2025 state disasters, especially the Los Angeles fires, and members asked for trailer bill language to make the funds flexible for repairs, equipment, insurance, and permitting. On trailer bill items, the panel discussed codifying family fee reimbursement rules, defining excessive unexplained absences to allow disenrollment after prolonged nonuse, and expanding temporary provider absences; CDSS said the absence policy is meant to mirror federal CCDF rules, while CDE said it is already pursuing its own rulemaking. The hearing also covered prospective pay, with CDSS and CDE saying they are waiting for final federal guidance before moving ahead; LAO said the state could save ongoing costs if the federal requirement is rescinded. Finally, the committee reviewed staffing and support budget requests for CDSS and other implementation items, and held several items open for further discussion before the May Revision. Public comment overwhelmingly urged full funding for child care slots, true cost-of-care payments, and ongoing support for early education programs and county offices of education.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that there are significant medical conditions that stack with obesity, such as musculoskeletal
• If we can help people reduce weight, then a lot of these conditions have some level of resolution.
• My grandson has autism and also a condition that gives him very few teeth and very few sweat glands.
• Good evening, Mary Odvert with the California Chronic Care Coalition.
• We oppose any cuts to medical programs and services which improve the lives of people with chronic conditions

Transcript Highlights:

• In just two years, we've seen dramatic improvements, including a decline in chronic absenteeism by up
• Finally, some of the neighborhoods reported to us that they are struggling with the impacts of chronic
• We also have guidance related to care and supervision, specifically the conditions by which a family
• We convened a workgroup to inform those specific conditions.
• One current work stream is focused on determining under what conditions a child who is closing to permanency

Transcript Highlights:

• And Laurie can speak better to what the actual conditions were.
• This was a sustained chronic exhaustion.
• These groups are designed to improve workplace conditions, safety, and productivity.
• AI models can generate false alarms, miss serious conditions, and reflect the same biases that exist
• AI models can generate false alarms, miss serious conditions, and reflect the same biases that exist

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on public safety, labor enforcement, pensions, and workplace safety. AB 1054 would create a voluntary DROP-style retirement option for CHP officers and Cal Fire firefighters to help retain experienced personnel; supporters said it would be cost-neutral and help staffing, while an opponent warned it could affect bond ratings and create pension risk. The bill passed the committee 4-0 and was sent to Appropriations. AB 2129, which would improve Cal Fire compensation to aid recruitment and retention, also passed 4-0 to Appropriations with support from firefighters and no opposition. AB 1383, a broader PEPRA-related measure lowering retirement age and adjusting compensation caps for public safety workers, drew extensive support from firefighters and peace officers and strong opposition from cities, counties, and other local government groups over long-term pension costs; after debate over fiscal impacts, it passed 4-0 to Appropriations. The committee also considered AB 605 on refinery safe staffing during shutdowns, prompted by layoffs and reduced staffing at refineries such as Phillips 66 Wilmington. Supporters argued the bill would protect workers and nearby communities during refinery wind-downs, while petroleum and business groups said closures are not inevitable and opposed the bill’s premise. The bill passed 3-0 to Environmental Quality. AB 1859 would let joint labor-management committees access public works sites to help detect wage theft and safety violations; construction labor supporters backed it as an enforcement tool, while laborers, local governments, and builders raised concerns about duplication, property access, and project disruption. It passed 2-0 to Judiciary, on call. The committee then heard AB 2321, a pilot program allowing county district attorneys in Alameda and Santa Clara to investigate workplace deaths, which supporters said would address Cal/OSHA’s backlog and weak enforcement; employers and safety practitioners opposed it, citing expertise, due process, and overlapping investigations. It passed 2-0 to Appropriations, on call. Finally, AB 2575 began testimony on healthcare AI guardrails, with the author and nurses arguing that AI should support, not replace, clinical judgment and that patient safety requires human oversight.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also believe that can charge more for pre-existing conditions. All, sorry, Mr. Chair.
• of association health plans will severely weaken key protections for Americans with pre-existing conditions
• or other serious or chronic health conditions.
• unlawful, and expressed concerns about access to maternity care and protections for pre-existing conditions
• track record of fraud that these plans have, and we want to make sure that people with pre-existing conditions

Committee: Senate Senate Finance Committee of Reference

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee approved the February 16, 2026 minutes and then heard House Bill 2173, which would let tax officers and taxpayers communicate electronically about proposed property tax corrections or claims unless certified mail is required. County and assessor representatives supported the bill as a modernization measure, and the committee voted 6-0 to give it a do pass recommendation. The committee then considered several Arizona State Retirement System-related measures and nominations. It recommended confirmation of Thomas J. Connolly as a public member of the ASRS Board and Charles Essex as a retired member, both by 6-0 votes. The committee also passed House Bills 2089, 2090, and 2092, which clarified ASRS health subsidy eligibility, changed the disability determination timing for long-term disability benefits, and adjusted the waiver window for new eligible members age 65 or older. Each of those bills received unanimous or near-unanimous support. Members next approved House Bill 2693, as amended, which revises Arizona’s association health plan and multiple employer welfare arrangement rules to align with current federal law and adds a study by the Department of Administration on state and school employee health insurance options. Supporters said it could expand affordable coverage for small businesses, while Senator Epstein raised concerns about consumer protections, preexisting conditions, and prior fraud issues; the bill passed 5-1. The committee also passed House Bill 2120, allowing Social Security disability determination letters to help certify eligibility for the property tax exemption for disabled persons, and House Bill 2138, clarifying workers’ compensation coverage for firefighters traveling directly to or from duty, both with some discussion but no opposition. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 2273, which creates a one-time $300 income tax rebate for certain Pinal County residents using remaining escrow funds from the county transportation tax litigation, though members debated whether the money should instead go to roads. The bill passed 3-2 after comments from the sponsor, a Pinal County mayor, and senators who said they wanted the funds directed to transportation projects. The committee then passed House Bill 2786, exempting income from renting required college textbooks from transaction privilege tax, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:43:05.040><c> are</c> measures and real-time conditions are measures and real-time conditions
• Four, an incident or condition condition condition involving<02:46:06.560><c> a</c><02:46:06.880><c>
• conditions conditions acts<02:47:40.399><c> of</c><02:47:40.640><c> Larsson</c> acts of Larsson acts
• </c> prescribe by rule the conditions prescribe by rule the conditions required<03:00:32.319><c> to</
• ,</c> unsanitary or unsafe conditions, unsanitary or unsafe conditions, deterioration<03:21:59.439><c

Summary: The meeting included a Senate recognition ceremony honoring the Winona High School boys basketball team for winning the 2026 Alabama High School Athletic Association 5A state championship. A resolution was read commending the team for its 101-40 victory over Silicag, noting the team’s record-setting performance, Brendan Davis’s MVP honor, the contributions of other players, and Coach Cedric Lane’s leadership. Senators and the lieutenant governor praised the players’ sportsmanship, the school community, and the team’s historic season, and copies of the resolution were presented to the team, coaches, and administrators. Several guests and school representatives also spoke briefly, including the coach and principal, who thanked the Senate and noted the team’s success and the principal’s retirement after 35 years. After the recognition, the Senate returned to session and adopted the Committee on Rules report setting the special order calendar. The calendar included Senate Bill 99 on the Ten Commandments, Senate Bill 298 on Class 3 municipalities, House Bill 381 on camp safety, Senate Bill 370 on tax increment districts, Senate Bill 363 on the Department of Economic and Community Affairs, House Bill 466 on firefighters, House Bill 95 on elections, House Bill 259 on stablecoin, and Senate Bill 342 on education. The chamber then took up SB 99, sponsored by Senators Kelly and Sessions. Senator Kelly described the bill as requiring local school boards to display the Ten Commandments, together with founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Alabama Constitution preamble, in certain history classrooms and common areas for grades five through 12, using donated displays and funds when available. He said the bill was intended as a historical and educational measure, not religious instruction, and emphasized the inclusion of a disclaimer stating Alabama is not establishing a religion. After extended debate and a petition to close debate from the Rules Committee, the Senate voted on the bill by long roll and passed SB 99, with the recorded vote announced as 30 yeas and 4 nays.

Transcript Highlights:

• Disability Coalition, is increasing by $17,500 for the Arkansas Disability Coalition's Project Delivery of Chronic
• Disability Coalition, is increasing by $17,500 for the Arkansas Disability Coalition's Project Delivery of Chronic
• There were some terms and conditions that we had to go back and forth with Motorola that we didn't agree

Committee: All ALC-REVIEW

Transcript Highlights:

• Rachel Strife, Arizona Mad Moms, Mad Moms Services and Education Fund, also with Association for Chronically
• Please remember that serious mental illness does not include common conditions like anxiety or depression
• committee, Rachel Strife, Arizona Mad Moms, Mad Mom Services and Education Fund, and Association for Chronically

Bills: SB1113 , SB1115 , SB1122 , SB1123 , SB1125 , SB1165 , SB1188 , SB1193 , SB1243 , SB1318 , SB1477

Committees: House Health & Human Services , House House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference

Keywords: mental health, involuntary evaluation, service of process, court-ordered treatment, evaluation agencies, AHCCCS, remote work, state agency, employment, public health, healthcare, behavioral health, prior authorization, American Indian health program, medicaid, medical examiner, death investigation, body disposal, autopsy, veteran burial

Transcript Highlights:

• domestic relations temporary; HB 2667, homebuyer assistance; HB 2669, appropriation broadband; HB 2671, chronic
• HB 2822, special plates revision. 627 homebuyer assistance 2660 at appropriation broadband 26 71 chronic
• Graduates of my local high school told when they were detained, in humane conditions that they were in

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of Dr. Pamela Murphy as Doctor of the Day. Members also introduced a number of guests, including Deacon Ernie Gonzalez, local Prescott officials, Arizona Game and Fish commissioners, and advocates from the Alzheimer’s Association. A proclamation was read designating January 26, 2026, as Arizona Aviation Day, with remarks highlighting the aviation industry’s economic impact and the presence of airport and aviation representatives in the gallery. The clerk then read a long list of bills that had been first read or referred for printing, and a second-reading calendar covering measures on water and energy, education, elections, taxes, housing, veterans, public safety, and other topics. No floor votes on those bills were taken during this segment. Representative Gress also read a resolution recognizing National School Choice Week and praising Arizona’s school choice programs, including charters and ESAs. Much of the remainder of the session consisted of members’ personal privilege remarks responding to violence and immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota and elsewhere. Speakers from both parties and several senators and representatives condemned ICE tactics, described constituent fear and family separations, and called for constitutional rights, due process, and accountability. Representative Sandoval requested and the House observed a moment of respectful silence in memory of Alex Pretty and Renee Good. The House then received committee and caucus announcements and adjourned until 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:35.760><c> absenteeism</c> our currently High chronic absenteeism our currently High chronic
• </c> system to quickly identify chronically system to quickly identify chronically absent<00:15:35.519
• This is a breakdown of chronic absenteeism that shows both the mild chronic absenteeism students attending
• chronic chronic absenteeism<00:18:27.480><c> that</c><00:18:27.600><c> would</c><00:18:27.799><c> be
• </c> that had high rates of chronic that had high rates of chronic absenteeism<00:22:56.200><c> so</c

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> More Minnesotans are going to be uninsured, especially low-income, rural, those with chronic conditions
• conditions.
• There's going to be chronic conditions.
• Then they end up in the ER and again hits our hospitals and bed availability, and the chronic conditions
• </c><01:09:05.279><c> conditions</c> availability and the chronic conditions availability and the chronic

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides a sense of belonging and control over their working conditions. is a support network.
• health conditions.
• health conditions.
• It leads to burnout, unsafe working conditions, and high turnover, which only makes staffing shortages
• I think transparency, accountability, especially in this time of challenging financial conditions, the

Committee: House Public Employment and Retirement