Transcript Highlights:

• </c> psychological trauma. psychological trauma.
• ,</c> psychological trauma, psychological trauma, three,<02:35:50.400><c> after</c><02:35:50.680><c>
• Section 14, report children in correctional facilities.
• It continues important work. in one of our facilities in the state. in one of our facilities in the state
• . facilities. facilities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Chairman, does this only apply to adult daycare facilities and not senior housing facilities
• I do agree that those facilities need redundancy within their operations as well.
• We are an inpatient psychiatric facility.
• So we are an inpatient psychiatric facility.
• Thank you. ...serving children and families impacted by abuse and trauma.

Bills: HR267 , HCR105 , HCR107 , HCR110 , HCR113 , HCR114 , SB4 , SB52 , SB57 , SB145 , SB152 , SB194 , SB237 , SB333 , SB433 , SB483 , SCR37

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: diabetes, amputation, amputations, diabetic foot ulcer, peripheral artery disease, PAD, wound care, podiatry, vascular disease, endocrinology, limb salvage, health policy, public health, healthcare costs, insurance coverage, Louisiana Department of Health, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Louisiana Center for Health Innovation, patient education, screening

Transcript Highlights:

• We have facilities issues, right?
• Now, I believe that we funded a new facility, a new building to expand the tox lab.
• Part of it was a new facility to improve the testing access. And those are great.
• The use of opaque face coverings during routine police interaction invokes fear; it invokes trauma.
• trust the law enforcement officers they encounter, and that encounter should not cause additional trauma

Bills: SB5865 , SB5880 , SB5912 , SB5837 , SB5855

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Keywords: garnishment, debt, form standardization, financial protection, legal processes, toxicology testing, laboratories, accreditation, public health, standards, indigent defense, task force, criminal justice, legal aid, public defense, guardianship, conservatorship, protective arrangement, protective arrangements, supported decision-making

Transcript Highlights:

• We have facilities issues, right?
• Now, I believe that we funded a new facility, a new building to expand the tox lab.
• Part of it was a new facility to improve the testing access. And those are great.
• The use of opaque face coverings during routine police interaction invokes fear, it invokes trauma, and
• trust the law enforcement officers they encounter, and that encounter should not cause additional trauma

Summary: The committee began with introductions and then heard Senate Bill 5865, which would repeal statutory garnishment answer forms and require use of Washington Pattern Forms Committee forms instead. Staff, the prime sponsor, and judges’ association witnesses said the bill is a technical fix that would make garnishment calculations more accurate and efficient without changing substantive law. A collectors’ association witness said the current statutory form can be used if needed until new forms are available and raised concerns about the timeliness of pattern form updates, but was open to working on language. The public hearing on SB 5865 was then closed. The committee next heard Senate Bill 5880, which would allow blood and breath toxicology results to be admissible if tested by an ISO/IEC 17025-certified or accredited forensic lab. The sponsor and supporters, including the Seattle city attorney and traffic safety experts, described severe backlogs at the state toxicology lab, with some DUI blood results taking many months or longer and cases expiring before charges can be filed. Counties, prosecutors, sheriffs, and defense representatives generally agreed the backlog is a serious problem, but several warned the bill could shift costs to local governments, create uneven access to private testing, and raise due process concerns unless discovery cooperation is required. The committee then closed the hearing on SB 5880. Senate Bill 5912 would reinstate the indigent defense task force to study Washington’s public defense system and report recommendations by 2028. Supporters from counties, cities, public defense offices, and tribal interests said the statewide shortage of defense attorneys and rising costs are straining local budgets and delaying access to counsel, especially in rural and eastern Washington. Some witnesses urged the bill be amended to add more stakeholder representation, including clients and practitioners, and cautioned that the task force should not delay immediate action on funding and caseload standards. The hearing on SB 5912 was then closed. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5837, a broad update to guardianship, conservatorship, and protective arrangement procedures. The bill would lower the minimum age for a proposed guardian from 21 to 18, expand notice options, clarify appointment of counsel, and streamline service and hearing procedures. Testimony was largely supportive, especially from kinship caregivers, legal aid, and estate-law practitioners who said the bill would reduce costly publication requirements and improve access to justice, though some witnesses requested amendments on notice, waiver language, emergency procedures, and counsel provisions. The committee reported 40 pro and 70 con sign-ins on the bill, then moved on. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 5855, which would prohibit law enforcement officers, including federal agents, from wearing facial coverings during public interactions except in limited circumstances such as undercover work, SWAT operations, or health and safety needs. The sponsor and supporters said the bill is intended to increase transparency, accountability, and trust, especially for immigrant and marginalized communities, while opponents argued it could endanger officers, conflict with federal authority, and is tied to ongoing litigation over similar California legislation. Testimony was sharply divided, with some witnesses emphasizing public fear and trauma from masked officers and others arguing the bill would make officers more vulnerable and create constitutional problems. The hearing continued with additional public testimony after the excerpt ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• some of the root causes of developing opioid use and other substance use disorders. is childhood trauma
• When you talked about Narcan being in the detention facilities, that they went a vending machine.
• With respect to the Medicaid assistance treatment in detention facilities, I want to make sure that I
• But the focus will be on those recovery support services and reducing the likelihood of trauma or trying
• to reduce the impact that that trauma has long-term on the child.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• as other types of transit facilities and infrastructure that we know and use today.
• As the chief police said, over the past year, John Muir Health's trauma center was going to be...
• As the chief police said, over the past year, John Muir Health's trauma center has seen about double
• Our responsibility as trauma centers is to treat injuries, but it is also to do what we can to prevent
• Our responsibility as trauma centers is to treat injuries, but it is also to do what we can to prevent

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:38:10.079><c> of</c><00:38:10.240><c> that</c> now has to after the trauma of that now has to
• </c> relating to correctional facilities. relating to correctional facilities.
• </c> institutions to uh instate facilities institutions to uh instate facilities beginning<01:33:24.719
• </c><01:33:47.920><c> So</c><01:33:48.080><c> when</c> instate facilities in that year.
• So when instate facilities in that year.

Bills: HB1997 , HB2343 , HB2566 , HB2493

Committee: House Public Safety

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1997, which would require IEPs for students with disabilities to include individualized emergency accommodations and evacuation supports. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended amendments to explicitly include students with Section 504 plans and to change references from “department schools” to “public schools” so charter school students are covered. Testimony in support came from disability advocates and several individuals, including Peter Fritz, who said emergency evacuation planning should be made explicit because it is not clearly required by federal law, and Ka Swan, who emphasized student safety during emergencies. No vote or final action was taken on the bill in the transcript. The committee then took up House Bill 2343, relating to the Maui State Veterans Home. The measure would repeal a deadline for transferring the home to a state agency with a Maui affiliation and instead require the transfer to occur as soon as practicable. The Department of Defense, the Office of Veterans Services, HHSC Oahu Region, and several individuals testified in support. Committee members asked whether a more definite deadline should be used, but the department said the open-ended language was preferable because the Maui entity is not yet ready and Oahu is currently providing oversight. No vote or final action was recorded. House Bill 2566, authorizing special license plates for Hawaii Civil Air Patrol members, was also heard. The City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services testified in opposition, while Johnny Perry testified in support. The committee did not take a vote in the transcript. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2493 on wrongful imprisonment compensation procedures. The Attorney General’s office opposed the bill, arguing it would create an automatic payment mechanism without a sufficient finding of actual innocence, could trigger payments within five days of dismissal, and raised concerns about insufficient time for prosecution review and about funding and appropriation issues. Supporters, including people who said they had been wrongfully convicted and later found actually innocent, argued the bill would reduce delays and help released individuals survive while awaiting compensation. Judiciary staff requested technical amendments and said operational details still needed review. Members questioned the AG about the meaning of “actual innocence,” burden shifting, and whether the bill would better define the standard, but no vote or final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• As far as the trauma registry, there is a trauma registry.
• of that trauma registry.
• As far as the trauma registry, there is a trauma registry.
• of that trauma registry.
• As far as the trauma registry, there is a trauma registry.

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Health Services met to approve the June 18 minutes and hear introductory remarks from new Cabinet Secretary for Health and Family Services Dr. Steven Stack and new Department for Public Health Commissioner Dr. John Langfeld. Both described their backgrounds and emphasized a shared focus on using health data to improve quality, coordination, and outcomes across Kentucky. They highlighted the Kentucky Health Information Exchange (KHI) as a central tool for connecting hospitals, labs, providers, public health systems, Medicaid, and other state and federal data sources, and said the system supports notifications, immunization records, surveillance, and care coordination. They also outlined priorities such as continued investment in KHI, stronger interoperability, privacy protections, and expanded analytic capacity to turn data into action. Committee members then asked about COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and informed consent, particularly for pregnant women and children. Dr. Stack said informed consent should come through a licensed health care provider, that Kentucky did not mandate the COVID vaccine, and that the evidence still supports vaccination for high-risk groups, including pregnant women, citing professional medical guidance. A follow-up exchange focused on concerns about past vaccine policies and the need for patients to receive full information before making decisions. Senator Heron asked how KIPRC/KIPR could be used to address firearm injuries. Dr. Langfeld said the key opportunity is to make data more real-time and usable for day-to-day response, while Dr. Stack said the department would continue its long-standing partnership with KIPRC and noted his view that gun violence is a public health emergency. He added, however, that because firearms are a deeply divided issue, the Department for Public Health’s current role is mainly to make data available for authorized research rather than to take a broader policy role. No votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> your policy committee, your facilities your policy committee, your facilities committee<00:54:58.960
• </c><03:14:42.239><c> that,</c><03:14:42.479><c> having</c> trauma sensitive by doing that, having trauma
• </c> in schools and treatment facilities. in schools and treatment facilities.
• U10 applies to facilities. I think Roman numeral one is facilities. Roman numeral two is schools.
• </c> see actually U10 is for both facilities see actually U10 is for both facilities and<04:47:43.200

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• You have to pay money to haul the soil to facilities.
• You have to pay money for those facilities to take the soil.
• But to answer your question, I had an opportunity to tour one of the... ...facilities, and it brought
• I broke down crying after I got off the phone with the clinical supervisor at the facility that I went
• Like, it could be anything from hormones to trauma, to an accident, to being Not your fault.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services

Summary: The hearing opened with the Senate and House chairs of the Joint Committee on Financial Services explaining that the day’s agenda would focus on health insurance and other insurance matters, with a large number of witnesses and a request for brief testimony. Legislators were taken out of order to accommodate their schedules, and the committee heard testimony on several bills, including coverage for hair prostheses for alopecia (H. 1223/S. 832), medically necessary oral and dental care for head and neck cancer survivors (H. 1258), modernizing fertility and family-building coverage (H. 715/H. 1190 and related bills), coverage for prosthetic devices to support physical activity for people with limb loss (the “So Everybody Can Move” bill), remediation coverage for home heating oil releases (S. 813/H. 1302), and expanded access to physical therapy for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (H. 1170). A separate bill on sickle cell care and registry development (S. 788) was also discussed by Senator Liz Miranda. Witnesses largely offered personal stories and expert testimony in support of the bills. Advocates for alopecia coverage described the medical and emotional impact of hair loss, the high cost of quality wigs, and the argument that scalp and facial hair prostheses should be treated like other medically necessary prosthetics. Cancer survivors and supporters of H. 1258 said oral and dental care after head and neck cancer treatment is a quality-of-life issue and often not covered despite major out-of-pocket costs. Fertility specialists, LGBTQ+ advocates, and legislators supporting the modern family-building bills said the current infertility definition is outdated and discriminatory, excluding same-sex couples, people needing donors or gestational carriers, and others with medical barriers to conception. For the limb-loss bill, parents and adults with prosthetic needs stressed that activity-specific prostheses are essential for children and adults to run, swim, play sports, and stay healthy, but are often excluded from coverage. The home heating oil testimony focused on the financial devastation caused by residential oil spills and the need to make spill coverage automatic in homeowners policies. Environmental professionals and homeowners described cleanup costs ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, the strict liability homeowners face, and the fact that many policyholders do not know the rider exists. The insurance industry testified in opposition to the mandatory-coverage approach, arguing for clearer distinctions between first- and third-party coverage, risk-mitigation standards, a delayed effective date, and more emphasis on education and notification rather than mandates. Committee members pressed the industry witness on why agents do not routinely tell customers about the rider and suggested that the issue may require broader disclosure by insurers, agents, and fuel dealers. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and discussed possible compromise language and future action.

Transcript Highlights:

• which would define or redefine immigration or citizenship status, non-public area, and health care facility
• enforcement officers to adult family homes, and it would remove specific directions to health care facilities
• and adult family homes for designating areas as non-public. ...health care facilities and adult family
• It also appears to remove specific directions to health care facilities and adult family homes for designated
• And I'll just say again to the survivors who come and testify, it's not easy at all to relive that trauma

Summary: The Law and Justice Committee first heard testimony on four gubernatorial appointments to the Sentencing Guidelines Commission. Kristen Ferreira, a Chelan County Superior Court judge, said she would bring a rural court perspective; Lisa Mannion, the King County Prosecuting Attorney, emphasized fairness, equity, victim input, and modernization of sentencing grids, and answered a question about her gun responsibility advocacy by saying responsible gun ownership and Second Amendment rights can coexist. Kate Bedward, an appellate public defender with experience in tribal and other defense systems, said she wanted to help evaluate whether the sentencing scheme is meeting Washington’s goals. Rochelle Cleland, seeking renewal in the survivor/lived-experience seat, stressed the importance of survivor and victim voices and criticized the commission for leaving the victim advocate seat vacant and for how it handled a recent vote. The chair said the committee would take executive action on the appointments the following Tuesday. In executive session, the committee reviewed and amended several bills. SB 5906, concerning data and personal safety protections in public accommodations, was amended with a substitute and an amendment requiring notification of union representatives when certain early learning or school employees are subject to immigration enforcement; it received a due pass recommendation. SJM 8014, requesting an investigation into the killing of Aishanor Eski Aege, was amended for more neutral language and also received a due pass recommendation, with members noting the emotionally charged nature of the memorial. SB 6087, expanding liability protections for donations of baby items, and SB 5890, reclassifying certain high-speed driving conduct as negligent driving in the first degree, both advanced after substitutes/amendments were adopted. SB 6017, addressing victim- and witness-centered court procedures, advanced after the sponsor withdrew a proposed amendment for later floor work; members discussed trauma-informed protections and funding concerns. The committee also advanced SB 5520 on compensation for wrongly convicted persons after rejecting amendments that would have removed civil detention language and advance-payment provisions, with members debating the scope and fiscal impact of the bill. SB 6239, concerning arbitration for older tort claims, moved forward after extensive discussion about balancing survivor access to compensation with state and local fiscal concerns and sovereign immunity. SB 5886, expanding personality rights to forged digital likenesses, was advanced with a substitute combining it with related subject matter. Finally, SB 6190 on critical infrastructure protection and scrap metal records was amended to require photographs and database reporting for certain transactions and then received a due pass recommendation. The committee adjourned after sending the bills to the Rules Committee, subject to signatures.

Transcript Highlights:

• detained, 75% of the people detained have no criminal record whatsoever, and they're being sent to facilities
• I ran a similar bill, just as a side mention, for assisted living facilities that went through Health
• I ran a similar bill, just as a side mention, for assisted living facilities that went through Health
• to see what your symptoms are if you're... ...bill, just as a side mention, for assisted living facilities
• and what happened. ...to their wellness, especially when it comes to trauma and the disruption that

Summary: The Military Affairs and Border Security Committee heard two bills. SB 1055 would require immediate notification to ICE or CBP when a person unlawfully present in the U.S. is arrested by state or local law enforcement for a state or local offense. Supporters said it simply strengthens cooperation with federal authorities and clarifies existing law; opponents, including the ACLU of Arizona and several public commenters, argued it is redundant with current statute, could pressure officers to prolong stops or arrests, and would increase fear, racial profiling, and distrust of police in immigrant communities. Members debated whether the bill conflicted with SB 1070-era law and whether it would create new legal liability or merely add a reporting requirement after arrest. The committee voted 4-3 to give SB 1055 a do-pass recommendation. The committee then considered SB 1065, which appropriates $300,640,000 in FY 2027 from the general fund for a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Military Veterans Fund. Senator Rogers described hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a non-drug treatment that could help veterans with PTSD and improve quality of life, while supporters emphasized the need to explore options for veterans’ mental health and trauma care. Some members said they supported moving the bill forward but had budget concerns or wanted more detail on how veterans would be selected for the program. The committee approved SB 1065 unanimously, 7-0, with a do-pass recommendation, and then adjourned until the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• And they're being sent to facilities where the water is dirty, the food has bugs, medical care is being
• And they're being sent to facilities where the water is dirty, the food has bugs, medical care is being
• I ran a similar bill, just as a side mention, for assisted living facilities that went through health
• to see what your symptoms are if you're... ...bill, just as a side mention, for assisted living facilities
• and what happened. to their wellness, especially when it comes to trauma, and what happens with the

Bills: SB1055 , SB1065

Committee: Senate Military Affairs and Border Security

Keywords: immigration enforcement, law enforcement, illegal aliens, state legislation, civil penalties, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, veterans, military health, mental health treatment, funding allocation

Transcript Highlights:

• These were for local and state law enforcement, public schools, health facilities, courthouses, and shelters
• These were for local and state law enforcement, public schools, health facilities, courthouses, and shelters
• , property, That state agencies' resources—so agency funds, facilities, property, equipment, personnel—are
• Children, Youth, and Families to create a rapid response team to explore actions to mitigate the trauma
• The unbelievable trauma of a 13-year-old who had to be handcuffed and driven every time of a 13-year-old

Committee: House State Government & Tribal Relations

Summary: The Tribal Relations Committee held a work session on the Keep Washington Working Act, hearing first from the Office of the Attorney General and then the Office of the Governor, followed by testimony from the ACLU of Washington, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, and One America. The Attorney General’s office described the 2019 bipartisan law as limiting state and local involvement in federal immigration enforcement, emphasizing privacy, minimal data collection, model policies for agencies, and the distinction between immigration status information and other personal data. The office said the law has not been challenged in Washington, noted similar laws in other states, and explained that agency attorneys coordinate to provide consistent guidance and defend the law in court when needed. The governor’s office said Keep Washington Working is being implemented across state agencies through case-by-case review of data-sharing requests, coordination with the Attorney General and privacy offices, and a new executive order creating an immigration sub-cabinet and reinforcing data privacy and community engagement. Officials pointed to federal funding exceptions, including Medicaid and other programs where data must be shared to receive funds, and said the state has challenged federal grant conditions in court. In response to questions, the governor’s office said it believes the statute is consistent with federal law, applies broadly to all Washingtonians, and is being monitored for unnecessary data sharing, including at the Department of Licensing. Advocates and the ACLU argued that Keep Washington Working is grounded in the anti-commandeering doctrine and is intended to keep state resources focused on state purposes rather than federal civil immigration enforcement. They said the law helps maintain trust so residents will seek police, fire, health, and licensing services without fear, but warned that federal enforcement and data-sharing practices are still harming communities, including people with lawful status and families separated by detention. Several speakers said the law is strong but could be improved through stronger enforcement, more consistent implementation across agencies and contractors, and possibly a private right of action. No votes or formal actions were taken; the chair closed by inviting follow-up on implementation challenges and possible legislative improvements.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I always tell the wardens, take me to your toughest facility.
• Take me to your toughest facility.
• to our facilities director, who will be before you next week.
• Facility-wise, again, we do keep those facilities in what we call cold or warm shutdown mode, depending
• Facility-wise, again, we do keep those facilities in what we call cold or warm shutdown mode, depending

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules first handled several routine items, including governor’s appointments not required to appear, references to bills, and floor acknowledgments. The committee approved the appointments of Heather Lynn Gonzalez and Allison Salton-Sall to the Court Reporters Board, and then moved on to appointments required to appear from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, both proposed associate directors in CDCR’s Division of Adult Institutions, testified about their backgrounds and emphasized staff safety, rehabilitation, trauma-informed practices, and the California model. Senators focused heavily on the rollout of the California model, the August 2024 use-of-force incident at Central California Women’s Facility, sexual abuse prevention, retaliation concerns, and prison visitation. Both nominees said the department had improved communication and training, had disciplined or removed staff in response to misconduct, and was working to strengthen PREA reporting, investigations, and family visiting consistency. Public testimony was strongly supportive, and the committee voted 4-0 to send both nominations to the Senate floor. The committee then heard from Jason Johnson, nominated as CDCR Undersecretary of Operations. Johnson framed his work around rehabilitation, public safety, and culture change, and addressed concerns raised in late opposition letters and a lawsuit alleging retaliation, hostile work environment, discrimination, and whistleblower issues. He said he could not discuss pending litigation in detail, but described his leadership as focused on accountability, professional standards, and improving relationships with staff and community partners. Senators questioned him about parole supervision, risk assessment, contraband interdiction, and the Prison Rape Elimination Act response; Johnson said adult parole uses risk-based supervision and GPS for registered sex offenders, operations is working with correctional safety and law enforcement on contraband and drone interdiction, and CDCR continues to expand reporting channels and training. The committee also discussed the importance of rehabilitation and reentry programs, with Johnson saying most people return to the community and that CDCR must prepare them for successful reintegration.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:19:02.919><c> that</c> in our and there were 23 facilities that in our and there were 23 facilities
• , an assisted living facility, a veterans home, a group home, etc.
• , an assisted living facility, a veterans home, a group home, etc.
• </c> with heart attack Strokes trauma with heart attack Strokes trauma emergency<00:53:11.319><c> uh<
• I'm assuming you have some Canadians that come down to your facility.

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• and one district around eight facilities and one district office<00:12:07.200><c> responsible</c><00
• .<00:44:59.359><c> They</c><00:44:59.680><c> manage</c><00:45:00.079><c> medications,</c> facilities.
• They manage medications, facilities.
• Uh on behalf of facility Association.
• Thank you very much for your public service. facility to be owed as much as over facility to be owed

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm sure you're still dealing with the trauma of the getting DWS through at the time, but we had a lot
• </c><00:21:06.320><c> of</c> you're still dealing with the trauma of you're still dealing with the trauma
• For facilities like ours, this program is not just helpful; it's essential.
• </c><01:49:24.800><c> across</c> supports 27 care facilities across supports 27 care facilities across
• ><c> this</c><01:49:34.840><c> program</c> For facilities like ours, this program For facilities like

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• facilities? facilities?
• </c> that's specifically about trauma. that's specifically about trauma.
• . facility. facility.
• It's a cash facility.
• It's a cash facility.

Summary: The Public Safety and Judiciary Committee met without a quorum, so approval of the January 3, January 20, and February 3 minutes was postponed. The committee then heard an update from the Department of Corrections on halfway house and Recovery Kentucky funding and operations. Deputy Commissioner Hillary Daily said DOC contracts for up to 1,752 halfway house beds and 780 Recovery Kentucky beds, with 16 halfway houses and 13 Recovery Kentucky centers statewide. She reported 6,329 admissions in fiscal year 2025, average daily populations of 1,041 in halfway houses and 494 in Recovery Kentucky, and explained that Recovery Kentucky placements are more restrictive, generally excluding violent and sex offenders, while halfway houses serve probationers, parolees, and sex offenders who need treatment. She also described programming such as MRT, parenting, adult basic education, and trauma-focused services, and said some facilities offer supervised visitation. Daily said no new funding request was included in the current budget, though DOC has sought rate increases in prior cycles. Community Transitional Services director Barbara Stum also testified in support of halfway houses as re-entry and substance abuse treatment centers. She said CTS primarily serves men coming out of prison or returning to prison who need treatment, and that halfway houses provide security, accountability, treatment, employment support, and help with home placement. Stum said the state moved substance abuse treatment into the community in 2010 to avoid sending people back to prison for treatment, and argued halfway houses are the least expensive form of incarceration. She cited daily rates of $33.61 for CTS beds and DOC figures of $37.33 to $44.33 per day, compared with higher prison and jail costs, and said reimbursement has not kept pace with inflation since the last increase in 2019. She said staffing and supplies are the main pressure points, with counselor pay below market rates, and noted two counselor vacancies. A former resident, Michael Bird, testified that CTS helped him recover and re-enter the community successfully. The committee also received an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on implementation of the video arraignment/video conferencing system. AOC officials Zach Ramsey and Charles Buyers said the system is now fully implemented in all courtrooms and is used for video arraignments and other Zoom-based court proceedings. Buyers described the pandemic-era transition from older, inconsistent equipment to improvised laptop/webcam setups, then to a more integrated vendor-supported system with touchscreen controls and a judicial support specialist position for training and operation. He said 324 courtrooms are already up to the current standard, with 128 remaining on an older bundle, and that there are no technical barriers to continued use. AOC said it is seeking $3.8 million in recurring annual funding to keep the systems upgraded and current, and plans to upgrade 46 systems in fiscal year 2026 across 15 counties.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I always tell the wardens, take me to your toughest facility.
• Take me to your toughest facility.
• to our facilities director, who will be before you next week.
• Facility-wise, again, we do keep those facilities in what we call cold or warm shutdown mode, depending
• Facility-wise, again, we do keep those facilities in what we call cold or warm shutdown mode, depending

Committee: Senate Rules