Transcript Highlights:

• This is a concurrent resolution that we're doing for Health and Welfare Committee.
• The State Department of Health and Welfare kind of did.
• The delay was not due to the committee's work; it was the State Department of Health and Welfare.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee approved minutes from March 18, March 23 (morning and afternoon), and March 26. The committee then considered several RS measures related to administrative rules and education funding. RS 33804, presented by Rep. Erickson, was a concurrent resolution for Health and Welfare rules, reflecting rules that were not heard or were rejected; it was introduced and sent to the second reading calendar. RS 33810, presented by Rep. Alfieri, approved temporary and pending rules for the Idaho State Police, Sexual Offender Management Board, and Office of Administrative Hearings; it was also introduced and sent to second reading. Rep. Pickett presented RS 33808, a revised version of the IDLA-related legislation previously known as House Bill 918. He said it preserved the current board structure, removed an additional LSO audit requirement, kept dual credit provisions, struck language on advanced opportunity funds, maintained IDLA access for grades 6-12 while restricting K-5 enrollment, and clarified that private entities would not receive state reimbursement and would pay the full course fee. Rep. Church questioned whether the private-entity language would affect education tax credit receipts and objected to reducing IDLA funding, saying he would vote no. The motion to introduce RS 33808 and send it to second reading passed, with Rep. Church and Rep. Rubel recorded as nays. Rep. Moyle presented RS 33807, which would move the rules coordinator and related review functions from the Department of Financial Management to the legislative branch and eliminate the current eight-year review cycle for rules. He argued that rules have the effect of law and should remain under legislative control, while agencies would still conduct hearings and draft rules. Rep. Rubel asked whether executive-branch stakeholder outreach would continue, and Moyle said it would. The committee voted to introduce RS 33807 and send it to the germane committee, with Rep. Birch recorded as a nay. The committee then adjourned and announced it would meet again at 2:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then 37-206, the Department of Health and Welfare is to make available educational materials regarding
• And then 37-206, the Department of Health and Welfare is to make available educational materials regarding
• What happens in this state is the Department of Health and Welfare...
• What happens in this state is that the Department of Health and Welfare has the food code.
• The food code is put together by Health and Welfare. It's approved by the legislature every year.

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The Senate Agricultural Committee opened by welcoming a new page, Isabella Frasheiser of Weiser High School, who described her FFA, school leadership, and agricultural background. The committee then approved the February 10, 2026 minutes without objection. The main item was Senate Bill 1283, presented by Senator Todd Lakey. The bill would create a framework for small-scale direct-to-consumer agricultural and homemade food sales, including cottage foods, farm stands, cooperative markets, and certain meat sales, with labeling, recordkeeping, and educational-material requirements. Supporters from Farm Bureau, Fair Idaho, and producers argued it would reduce burdens, expand local food access, help small farms, and improve market opportunities. Food Northwest and health district representatives raised concerns about food safety, labeling, lack of competency testing, limited remediation options, and possible liability changes. After discussion, the committee voted to send SB 1283 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then received an Idaho Beef Council update from J.W. Wood and Jody Mink. They described the council’s checkoff-funded promotion, education, research, consumer outreach, BQA training, Spanish-language materials, a national “Prime Rib and Prom” campaign, and the Idaho Beef Counts food assistance program. No formal action was taken on that presentation, and the committee adjourned after concluding its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• If there is fraud occurring, if there's health, safety, and welfare issues that are taking place, if
• If there is fraud occurring, if there's health, safety, and welfare issues that are taking place, if
• a certified fire alarm certificate done, I mean anything that relates to the health, safety, and welfare
• We also have a great local juvenile welfare board that supports us to a significant state in that area
• We also have a great local juvenile welfare board that supports us to a significant state in that area

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education received a presentation from the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget and the Department of Education on the Governor’s fiscal year 2026-27 education budget. Shelby Salmons outlined the overall budget framework, and Commissioner Stasi Kamoutsis highlighted major education investments, including $486 million for VPK, $30.6 billion for K-12 education, a $761.1 million increase in FEFP funding, the highest per-student funding level to date, and $201 million more for teacher pay flexibility. The presentation also emphasized school safety, mental health, civics education, and the Guardian Program, along with continued funding for TEACH, HIPPY, Help Me Grow, and civics debate and literacy initiatives. Members asked about how the mental health allocation would be used, counselor staffing ratios, school closures and whether the department intervenes, oversight of school choice and voucher-funded schools, and the Guardian Program’s pay structure and effectiveness. Senators also raised concerns about the FISH school capacity report, data collection, teacher pay, professional development, AI and tutoring technology, and whether the budget adequately supports mental health services and school safety. The Commissioner said many funding decisions are left to districts, that the department stands ready to assist, and that the Guardian Program has been successful and expanded over time. During public testimony, Pinellas County School Board member Laura Hine said her district spends far more on safety and mental health than it receives in state categorical funding, and urged the committee to consider full-day VPK funding, arguing it has improved third-grade reading outcomes in Pinellas. Senators followed up on district flexibility and local spending choices. The committee took no substantive vote on the budget presentation and adjourned after thanking the department for its recommendations and partnership.

Transcript Highlights:

• first we'd like to welcome everyone to the April 1st meeting of the House Committee on Health and Welfare
• Chairman Miller and distinguished members of the House Health and Welfare Committee, good morning.
• school governing authorities to develop and submit a report to the House Committee on Health and Welfare
• I'm glad you're over here in Health and Welfare and a fun committee. Thank you for coming.
• Over here in Health and Welfare and a fun committee. Thank you for coming. So thank you for coming.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Summary: The committee met on April 1 and considered several health-related bills and one resolution. HB 933, by Rep. Charles Owen, would create commemorative birth certificates and adjust vital records fees; after adopting a technical amendment, the committee reported the bill favorably. HB 288, by Rep. Boyer, would require the term “miscarriage” to appear alongside “spontaneous abortion” in medical documentation and billing; after an amendment changed the bill from mandatory “shall” language to permissive “may,” the committee heard emotional testimony both in support and opposition and then reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 420, by Rep. Berault, would require criminal background checks and registry review for all DCFS employees, not just those with direct contact with children; it was reported favorably. The committee also voluntarily deferred HB 927 and HB 962. The committee then heard HB 971, by Rep. Stagney, which seeks to equalize Medicaid reimbursement rates for independent rural health clinics and hospital-owned provider-based clinics. Supporters, including clinic owners and practitioners, testified that independent clinics provide the same services under the same rules but receive far lower reimbursement, making it difficult to retain staff and avoid sale to hospital systems. The author said the bill is intended to prompt discussion and eventual parity without harming hospitals, and the committee reported the bill favorably. HB 815, by Rep. Carver, would allow federally insured financial institutions to receive death certificate information from vital records to reduce losses and help reconcile account issues after a death; credit union representatives supported the measure, and it was reported favorably. The committee also adopted HR 74, by Rep. Sterling, which urges the Department of Education and local school authorities to report on how schools accommodate students with seizure disorders. Sterling described personal experience with epilepsy and said the resolution is meant to gather data on implementation of existing seizure action plan law and identify gaps in access to rescue medication and training. Finally, the committee took up HB 915, by Rep. Dickerson, which would place Medicaid prior authorization and utilization management timelines into statute. After technical and substantive amendments, including changing some deadlines from five business days to seven calendar days, the bill drew support from providers and health groups concerned about delays in care, and the committee reported it favorably as amended. The committee also began consideration of HB 944, by Rep. Hilferty, creating a women’s consortium within LDH focused on menopause and related women’s health issues; technical amendments were adopted and testimony emphasized coordination of existing research and resources, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year, thanks to Chair Costa's leadership, we did a workshop on this problem in the child welfare
• children's ombudsman, I reviewed complaints and cases involving children throughout Florida's child welfare
• here to advocate for the children in my home and the children I work with and the children in the welfare
• Children in the welfare system already struggle to be heard.
• almost 25 years, we have advocated for transparency and accountability in the provision of child welfare

Summary: The subcommittee first heard HB 925 on clerks of court reimbursement. The sponsor said the bill raises the statutory reimbursement rate for unfunded clerk duties to $195 per petition, adds approved civil indigency applications to the reimbursement request, and adjusts certain civil traffic fee distributions to create parity between municipalities and unincorporated county areas. An amendment was adopted to remove general-revenue redirects and address a fee-waiver issue. Clerks and related associations testified in support, while the Florida League of Cities raised concerns about the revenue impact on municipalities. The committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 925 favorably by a 16-0 vote. The committee then took up HB 1551 on products liability for firearms. The sponsor said the bill would bar design-defect claims based solely on the absence or presence of external features not required by federal law, while preserving claims for internal manufacturing defects and failures to meet express warranties or representations. The bill drew extensive testimony from firearms manufacturers, law enforcement, gun-rights groups, and opponents from the Florida Justice Association and others, with debate focused on whether the language would limit lawsuits over alleged ghost firing or design defects and whether it should be clarified to preserve pending and future claims. The committee reported HB 1551 favorably by a 13-4 vote. Next, CS for HB 657 on community associations proposed a new community association court program, elimination of pre-suit mediation, and new procedures for dissolving associations, along with changes to “Kaufman” language and financial disclosure requirements. An amendment was adopted that changed the dissolution threshold to 50% of signatures, required a two-thirds vote for bylaw amendments, and expanded financial disclosure access to bank records and related documents. Homeowners testified about alleged HOA abuse, while attorneys and others warned about unintended consequences, loss of mediation, and questions about court authority. The committee approved the amended bill 14-1. Finally, CS for HB 635 on cybersecurity standards and liability would create a presumption against negligence liability for local governments and businesses that comply with specified cybersecurity standards and incident-reporting requirements, with the defendant bearing the burden to show compliance. Testimony split between supporters who said the bill incentivizes stronger security practices and opponents who argued it could shield entities that only “substantially” comply and could affect pending class actions. The committee reported the bill favorably 14-1. The meeting then moved on to PCS for HB 529, with the sponsor beginning presentation as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• WACF represents community-based child welfare providers across Washington, offering services that span
• We also believe that any solution must be workable and inclusive of child welfare providers, ensuring
• There is an OIC report that found child welfare providers are experiencing an insurance crisis severe
• Based on our understanding, this proposal does not offer any relief to the child welfare providers the
• state depends on to carry out its child welfare responsibilities.

Bills: SB6239 , SB6074 , SB5886 , SB6041 , SB6190

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Keywords: tort claims, state liability, Washington law, government accountability, legal process, parole, criminal justice reform, felony, recidivism, rehabilitation, public safety, personality rights, right of publicity, publicity rights, name image likeness, NIL, deepfake, AI-generated content, digital impersonation, forged digital likeness

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm reading the statute, and so maybe we can just get some clarification on that, because in the Welfare
• , I'm reading the statute, and so maybe we can just get some clarification on that because in the Welfare
• components for all counties, such as activity funds for children and youth involved in the child welfare
• Initiatives to support child welfare-involved youth: activity funds for strengths building and wellness
• , and joint specialty mental health and child welfare home visits.

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from the chair and members about recent federal cuts to public health, mental health, family planning, and Title X funding, with strong concern about the impact on California programs and providers. The committee then turned to the Department of State Hospitals, which presented its 2025-26 budget proposal of $3.4 billion, including new positions, capital improvements, and funding tied to increased patient costs and incompetent-to-stand-trial services. DSH reported major progress in reducing the IST waitlist and wait times, said it had met the court’s 28-day treatment benchmark for those without extenuating circumstances, and described workforce recruitment and retention efforts such as residency programs, fellowships, outreach, and hiring streamlining. Members asked about future IST referral trends, SB 1323’s effect on diversion and community treatment, and workforce lessons in high-cost regions; public comment urged reconsideration of county IST growth cap methodology in light of new criminal justice initiatives. The committee next received an informational overview of Proposition 1 and its changes to behavioral health funding and governance. The Legislative Analyst’s Office explained that Prop. 1 restructured county MHSA funding buckets, expanded the Commission for Behavioral Health, shifted prevention and early intervention responsibilities, and authorized a $6.4 billion bond, including $4.4 billion for behavioral health facilities through BHCIP. DHCS said it had released guidance for county integrated plans and was receiving extensive public comment. Members focused on BHCIP application requirements, especially letters of support and tribal projects, and raised concerns about whether DHCS’s implementation matched statutory intent. DHCS said it had authority to set application requirements and that tribal entities were treated differently because of sovereignty and funding structure. DHCS then updated the committee on BHCIP, the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program, and related bond implementation. The department said BHCIP had awarded about $1.7 billion across five rounds, with more than 130 projects and 223 distinct facilities funded, and that it was preparing to award the new bond funds after receiving nearly $8 billion in applications. The LAO’s assessment found that more than half of awards served at least 80% Medi-Cal enrollees, but also raised concerns that the regional allocation model could reinforce inequities, that the program had not sufficiently addressed the highest-need regions such as the southern San Joaquin Valley, and that smaller counties and less launch-ready applicants faced barriers. For bridge housing, DHCS said more than $1.1 billion had been awarded, serving over 5,000 people and supporting more than 2,000 operational beds, but the Governor’s budget proposes to eliminate Round 4 funding as the administration weighs other statewide investments and Proposition 1 implementation workload. Public commenters and members urged more accountability, better regional equity, stronger labor and community involvement, and caution about funding for for-profit psychiatric facilities. Finally, the committee heard on the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative. CalHHS and DHCS described CYBHI as a broad prevention- and equity-focused effort with more than 1,300 organizations funded, over $2.1 billion awarded, and multiple work streams spanning schools, community programs, workforce, and digital supports. DHCS highlighted school-based services, the fee schedule rollout, and digital platforms BrightLife Kids and Soluna, which it said are reaching users statewide and providing low-barrier access to coaching and support. Members and public commenters raised concerns about delays in school fee schedule implementation, the large share of funding going to digital tools, the need for more in-person services, and whether the initiative is sufficiently tracking outcomes and equity impacts. No formal votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Here's a chart showing public welfare spending per person in poverty.
• </c> here's a chart uh showing Public Welfare here's a chart uh showing Public Welfare spending<00:26
• I'm kind of curious what your definition of welfare is.
• That is really the biggest welfare program under this definition of public welfare.
• </c><01:04:03.240><c> Miss</c> your definition of welfare is um Miss your definition of welfare is um

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• They've been involved with the behavioral health system, the child welfare system, the justice system
• They've been involved with the behavioral health system, the child welfare system, the justice system
• </c><01:08:02.559><c> of</c> threat of a health, safety or welfare of threat of a health, safety or welfare
• , safety and welfare of children in<01:15:32.640><c> care.
• </c><01:23:54.400><c> um</c><01:23:54.560><c> abuse</c> welfare agency did substantiate um abuse welfare

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first heard brief presentations on Kentucky’s 2025 Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant and Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant. Department for Public Health staff explained that the preventive health block grant provides about $2.3 million annually and supports programs such as accreditation and performance improvement, local health department grants, community health workers, prescription assistance, asthma and COPD programs, workforce development, and a sexual assault programs set-aside. They said the Title V block grant provides about $11.7 million, with 35% directed to children and youth with special health care needs and 65% to maternal and child health populations, largely through local health departments and a five-year needs assessment process. After no questions, a motion was made and seconded to approve both block grants. The roll call vote passed 19-0, and the two block grants were approved. The committee then approved the minutes from the prior meeting. The next item was a discussion of the child waiver created in House Bill 6. Committee members raised concerns that the proposed 1915(c) waiver did not match the legislature’s intent, which they said was to move children from the Michelle P. waiver to free slots for adults. Cabinet officials from DCBS, behavioral health, and Medicaid described the proposed “Community Health for Improved Lives and Development” waiver as a targeted home- and community-based program for children under 21 with severe behavioral health or developmental needs, including those stepping down from inpatient or residential care or at risk of out-of-home placement. They said the waiver is designed for about 100 slots, uses a standardized needs-based assessment, and includes case management, community living supports, home modifications, respite, supervised residential care, and clinical therapeutic services. Officials said the public comment period ended July 15, responses are being compiled for August submission to CMS, and the waiver is part of the broader Families First initiative.

Transcript Highlights:

• state treasurer must report to the House Committee on Healthcare, the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare
• 00:32:21.920><c> Senate</c><00:32:22.240><c> Health</c><00:32:22.480><c> and</c><00:32:22.600><c> Welfare
• </c><00:32:23.080><c> Committee</c> The Senate Health and Welfare Committee The Senate Health and Welfare
• ,</c><00:32:51.800><c> and</c><00:32:51.960><c> the</c> Committee on Health and Welfare, and the Committee
• on Health and Welfare, and the Governor<00:32:52.600><c> and</c><00:32:52.800><c> to</c><00:32:52.920

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the House of Representatives, House Bill 730 by the Health and Welfare Committee.
• In the House of Representatives, House Bill 863 by the Health and Welfare Committee.
• In the House of Representatives, House Bill 787 by the Health and Welfare Committee.
• In the House of Representatives, House Bill 758 by the Health and Welfare Committee.
• In the House of Representatives, House Bill 787 by the Health and Welfare Committee.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, approved the journal, and moved through routine orders, including committee reports and messages from the House. Several bills and resolutions were introduced, referred to committees, or advanced on the calendar. The Senate then resolved into the Committee of the Whole to consider a series of House bills, adopting amendments to measures including House Bills 629, 678, 522, 810, 684, 561, and 860, and reporting them back as amended without recommendation. The committee also reported progress on House Bills 613, 526, 670, and 549, which retained their place on the calendar. On third reading, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1294 on newborn hearing screenings after sponsor testimony emphasized early intervention, support from audiologists and deaf/hard-of-hearing advocates, and no fiscal impact. The chamber also passed Senate Bills 1353 and 1354, both housing bills expanding state standards for twin homes, duplexes, and accessory dwelling units in cities over 10,000; supporters framed them as property-rights and affordability measures, while opponents argued they weakened local control, increased infrastructure and parking burdens, and could benefit investors more than families. Senate Bill 1389, providing liability protection for property owners who allow polling places on their premises, passed unanimously after discussion about balancing voter access with premises liability. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1391, a technical fix preserving surveyors’ lawful entry authority for property and right-of-way work, and House Bill 727, which revises video voyeurism/extortion provisions to address AI-generated or threatened dissemination of intimate images and adds enhanced penalties when minors are involved. Finally, the Senate passed House Bill 542, the “Stop the Harms from Addictive Social Media Act,” after extensive debate over whether it protects children from addictive platform features or improperly shifts responsibility and creates surveillance and enforcement problems; the bill’s supporters argued it targets harmful platform design and parental control, while opponents raised concerns about legacy accounts, privacy, enforceability, and state overreach. Several roll-call votes were taken, with most measures passing by substantial margins, including unanimous passage of Senate Bill 1389 and 35-0 passage of House Bill 727.

Transcript Highlights:

• deployment of a behavioral health model designed specifically for families involved in the child welfare
• work and how that impacts areas such as substance abuse and mental health and areas such as child welfare
• How that impacts areas such as substance abuse and mental health and areas such as child welfare.
• They're sort of the hands and feet of child welfare out in the communities where they serve.
• CBC, and now 100% of the money in the CBC comes from the taxpayers, supposed to be spent on child welfare

Summary: The committee first considered the confirmation of Dr. John Lattell to the Board of Medicine. In questioning, senators focused heavily on his views about abortion, vaccines, ivermectin, and the role of CDC/FDA guidance in board discipline cases. Dr. Lattell said the board applies Florida statutes and works through probable cause panels and legal counsel, but he also expressed strong pro-life views, skepticism of federal health guidance, and criticism of vaccines and some medical practices. Supporters praised his long medical career, military service, and family medicine background, while opponents argued his views could prevent him from being objective in disciplinary matters. The committee voted to recommend him for confirmation to the full Senate, with Senators Polsky and Ruson voting no. The committee then took up the confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. Hatch described her background in state human services and outlined priorities centered on accountability, data, lived experience, and improving service delivery. Senators asked about SNAP error rates, Hope Florida, legislative analyses, staffing, and the department’s handling of child welfare and medically complex cases. Hatch said the department was reducing SNAP error rates, that Hope Florida uses navigators to connect people with community resources and self-sufficiency supports, and that DCF is working with the Department of Health and other partners to improve investigations and accountability in child welfare. She also said the agency is reviewing medically complex cases and strengthening oversight of community-based care providers through contracts, audits, and proposed funding-model changes. A substantial portion of the Hatch discussion centered on whether the department had been responsive to legislative requests and whether it had provided timely bill analyses. Senators also pressed her on Hope Florida staffing, the number of participants served, and the Hope Florida Foundation’s compliance and legal oversight. Hatch said the foundation is undergoing a financial audit and that the department is relying on required reports and ongoing investigations. The transcript ends amid continued questioning about a community-based care contractor’s finances, related-party transactions, and whether further forensic audits or repayments are needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• deployment of a behavioral health model designed specifically for families involved in the child welfare
• work and how that impacts areas such as substance abuse and mental health and areas such as child welfare
• How that impacts areas such as substance abuse and mental health and areas such as child welfare.
• They're the sort of the hands and feet of child welfare out in the communities where they serve.
• CBC, and now 100% of the money in the CBC comes from the taxpayers, supposed to be spent on child welfare

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Summary: The committee first considered the confirmation of Dr. John Lattell to the Florida Board of Medicine. In questioning, senators focused heavily on his views on abortion, vaccines, ivermectin, hormonal birth control, and the role of CDC/FDA guidance in board discipline cases. Dr. Lattell said the board should apply Florida statutes, described himself as strongly pro-life and skeptical of some federal health guidance, and said he would be sympathetic when judging fellow physicians because of his own experience in practice. Supporters praised his medical background, military service, and family medicine experience, while opponents argued his stated views could affect his ability to fairly discipline other doctors. The committee voted 5-2 to recommend confirmation, with Senators Polsky and Rouson voting no. The committee then took up the confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families. Hatch outlined her background at DCF and APD and described department priorities including streamlining services, improving child welfare and behavioral health systems, expanding peer support, and reducing SNAP error rates. Members asked detailed questions about Hope Florida, the number and role of Hope Navigators, agency responsiveness on bill analyses, and accountability for community-based care contractors. Hatch said Hope Florida is a partnership-based navigation effort aimed at self-sufficiency, that 143 Hope Navigators are in place, and that the department is working to improve transparency and oversight through contracts, audits, and a proposed funding model. Senators also pressed Hatch on the Hope Florida Foundation’s compliance history and on forensic audits of community-based care agencies, especially Northwest Florida Health Network. Hatch said the foundation is now in compliance and under audit, and that the contractor had completed corrective actions and was operating within current accountability limits. She said DCF had not yet conducted new forensic audits under her tenure but was preparing another round and was considering using contracted-services dollars to support that work. The discussion ended with continued questioning on oversight, staffing, and whether the agency could provide more formal bill analyses going forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are some investments in child welfare staffing and safety improvements, particularly expanding
• I'm testifying in opposition to Governor Ferguson's proposal to eliminate funding for the Child Welfare
• We also ensure strong fiscal stewardship of child welfare funding through audits of all provider service
• critical incidents, this is simply not the time to risk any further destabilization to the child welfare
• governor's budget that address the rise in critical incidents among children involved in the child welfare

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee opened with committee guidelines for the 2026 session, including limits on testimony, amendment deadlines, confidentiality expectations, and professionalism rules. Chair Ormsby also reviewed housekeeping for the public hearing, noting the meeting was recorded and live streamed, and that testimony would be limited to one minute because of the large number of sign-ups. The committee then began its work session on Governor Ferguson’s proposed 2026 supplemental operating budget, presented by OFM Director Katie Chapman, who outlined the state’s fiscal pressures: higher caseloads in major programs, a revenue forecast decline of about $390 million, federal policy changes tied to H.R. 1, inflation, and a relatively small ending fund balance. She said the governor’s budget solves about a $2.3 billion shortfall through nearly $800 million in spending reductions, revenue shifts, fund transfers, use of about $1 billion from the Budget Stabilization Account, and some tax preference changes, while also making targeted investments in areas such as child welfare, behavioral health, wildfire response, housing, and IT modernization. Chapman also explained that the proposal does not fully balance over the four-year outlook under the state’s statutory assumptions, but said the governor relied on the budget-balance law’s exception tied to BSA use and low employment growth. A question from Rep. Connors about credit ratings was answered with the view that the impact is difficult to predict and that Washington’s strong pension funding and balanced-budget framework remain positives. The public hearing drew testimony from state officials and many advocates, most of whom opposed specific cuts or fund shifts in the governor’s proposal. Secretary of State Steve Hobbs objected to proposed sweeps from the corporations and charities fund and the library archives account, citing prior cuts, layoffs, cyberattack-related costs, and the need to upgrade aging systems. Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove urged restoration of wildfire prevention funding, saying the proposed amount was still $30 million short of the commitment in House Bill 1168 and that underfunding would increase suppression costs and risk to communities. Many education witnesses opposed reductions to Working Connections Child Care, transition to kindergarten, local effort assistance, Running Start, and higher education across-the-board cuts, arguing they would harm access, equity, and workforce development. Higher education leaders from community colleges, the University of Washington, Western Washington University, and Evergreen State College described staffing cuts, program reductions, and pressure on student services, while K-12 groups and OSPI said the budget would deepen existing funding gaps. A large portion of testimony focused on human services, health, housing, and civil legal aid. Child welfare and youth-serving organizations supported some targeted investments but opposed cuts to child care, child welfare network administration, and youth programs; advocates for foster youth, homeless youth, and mentoring programs asked for continued or increased funding. Health care and long-term care providers warned that proposed Medicaid and rate changes would reduce access for seniors, people with disabilities, and safety-net patients, while Planned Parenthood and abortion access advocates urged full restoration of the Abortion Access Project and related reimbursements. Housing and legal aid witnesses backed the governor’s proposed right-to-counsel funding but asked for more support, and homelessness advocates sought contingency funding for federal housing programs. Crime victim and domestic violence service providers repeatedly said the proposed $12 million was far short of the roughly $21.38 million needed to avoid service cuts and closures. Other testimony addressed the Climate Commitment Account shift for the Working Families Tax Credit, with environmental advocates opposing the diversion of CCA dollars and workforce advocates supporting the governor’s economic security and employment programs. No votes or formal committee action were taken during the hearing portion described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the police chief, if he gets up and talks about the welfare department and he's in uniform, okay,
• If he gets up there and talks about the whole welfare department and he says, "I'm here as a private
• department</c><00:13:57.680><c> and</c><00:13:58.000><c> he's</c><00:13:58.240><c> in</c> um the welfare
• department and he's in um the welfare department and he's in uniform, uniform, uniform, okay,<00:14:
• </c> there and talks about the whole welfare there and talks about the whole welfare department<00:14

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:04:19.040><c> services</c><00:04:20.040><c> for</c><00:04:20.400><c> equin</c><00:04:21.079><c> welfare
• </c> provide basic services for equin welfare provide basic services for equin welfare that<00:04:21.799
• What this does is allows an avenue for better animal welfare care and to provide those owners who might
• What this does is allows an avenue for better animal welfare care and to provide those owners who might
• What this does is allows an avenue for better animal welfare care and to provide those owners who might

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:30 Introduction of New Members 00:53 SB 69 Discussion 01:24, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture met for its first session and took up Senate Bill 69, as amended by a committee substitute. The substitute was adopted by motion and vote, and the chair noted that a fiscal note had been requested but not yet received, so the bill would proceed and the fiscal note would be trailed. The bill concerns equine dental care and related chiropractic services, creating a licensing and regulatory framework for equine dental providers and allied animal health practitioners. Senator Robin Webb, the bill sponsor, said the substitute made technical corrections requested by the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association and the chiropractors association. She described the measure as a compromise intended to clarify scopes of practice, establish a credentialing/licensing board, and provide a legal pathway for people who have long provided equine dental services, especially in rural areas where veterinary access can be limited. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability, allow providers to obtain liability insurance, and preserve referrals to veterinarians for issues outside the defined scope. Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association and Board of Veterinary Examiners representatives said the bill was developed through a working group, modeled in part on Texas, and would include continuing education, grievance procedures, and due process protections. Justin Tallup, an equine dental provider, testified in favor, saying the bill would not change day-to-day practice but would legalize and formalize it. He said the scope would be limited to floating and balancing molars and incisors and removing caps and wolf teeth, with anything beyond that referred to veterinarians. He also said certification requires formal training, case submissions, testing, and annual continuing education. Senator Deneen asked about sedation, and witnesses said sedatives would still be prescribed and dispensed by a veterinarian under a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship, with the owner administering them. Michelle Shane of the Board of Veterinary Examiners said the board supported the bill’s disciplinary framework and would defer to federal law on controlled substances. Dr. William Rainbow, a veterinarian, testified against the bill, arguing that equine dentistry is veterinary medicine and that the proposal would allow undertrained practitioners to work without sufficient standards, including a grandfathering provision. He said practitioners should have training comparable to licensed veterinary technicians and warned that the bill could leave horses vulnerable to poor care. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion of the meeting provided, but the chair indicated time was running short and that a vote would be needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is for the Child Welfare Structured Decision-Making Assessment.
• This is for the Child Welfare Structured Decision-Making Assessment.
• And all of our work is driven by the needs of child welfare agencies like DCFS.
• So when those needs are brought to us, we respond. ...of child welfare agencies like DCFS.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Summary: The committee reviewed three DHS service contracts: a $690,000-plus sole-source contract for DCFS with Evident Change for maintenance and operation of the Child Welfare Structured Decision-Making Assessment tools; a $1.2 million contract with Sifter Solutions for a SNAP waiver compliance solution and related app; and a $156,000 contract with Samaritan Integrative Services for psychiatric services at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center. Staff said the Evident Change contract was needed to keep daily safety risk assessments, case planning, and reunification tools functioning, and that the vendor’s proprietary system made it sole source. Members questioned DHS about reliance on the vendor, the lack of an off-ramp, whether the state was paying more or less annually, and why the contracts were not aligned on the same cycle. DHS and the vendor said the new Evident Change contract was limited to maintenance and operations, that no additional services or employees were being added, and that the broader CQI/review contract would come up separately later. For the SNAP waiver contract, DHS explained that the waiver is intended to exclude certain unhealthy foods from SNAP purchases to improve nutritional value, and that Sifter Solutions would provide a dynamic list for retailers and an app for clients to check products by barcode. DHS said the contract is sole source because it is tied to the waiver implementation and because the vendor can provide the needed dynamic list and education features. Staff said the contract would be funded with remaining federal SNAP Nutrition Education dollars that would otherwise revert to the federal government, and that the University of Pennsylvania would conduct the evaluation at no cost. Members asked about the public benefit, future renewals, and whether the state would own the application; DHS said the two-year term was designed to match the waiver period and allow time to reassess future procurement options. Members also asked about the nutrition education component, and DHS said it is developing videos with a nutritionist on preparing budget-friendly healthy meals and plans to link them to the app and website. After discussion, no objections were raised, and the items were reported as reviewed. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The hour of nine o'clock having arrived, we will start the Health and Welfare meeting.
• quality assurance system for hospital presumptive eligibility, authorizing the Department of Health and Welfare
• You know, they can get because they have linkage to health and welfare system, and it makes it much more

Summary: The Health and Welfare committee met with a quorum present and no minutes to approve. Representative Jordan Redmond introduced RS 33-454, a proposal to restore and expand short-term medical insurance plans to prior standards, including allowing coverage up to 36 months. He said the plans are a lower-cost alternative to ACA coverage and noted he holds an insurance license, prompting Rule 80 declarations from him and Representative Furman. Members asked about federal versus state regulation, how the bill would affect current coverage, and what these plans typically cover and cost. After discussion, the committee voted to introduce the bill. The committee then heard RS 33-456 on Medicaid presumptive eligibility for hospitals. Redmond explained that the bill would add guardrails and a three-strike quality assurance system for hospitals that repeatedly misuse presumptive eligibility, citing concerns that some patients later found ineligible are still billed to taxpayers. Members asked how penalties would work and how the process would function in emergency situations. Redmond and Representative Furman said patients would still be treated first, with eligibility checked afterward, and Furman supported the bill as a way to reduce unnecessary Medicaid backlog. The committee voted to introduce the measure. No other substantive business was taken up, and the meeting adjourned after the two introduction votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so the example here I gave is child welfare custody.
• So again, if children in child welfare or in developmental and disability services or even in school
• And for child welfare, specifically looking at some of the regulations that they have, they need to track
• But in the child welfare placements in congregate care, it's an example of a child welfare placement.
• reading through the temporary lodging reports that talked about the barriers, you would have the child welfare

Keywords: 907, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1415 addresses this gap by extending a partial welfare property tax exemption to rental housing
• Extending a partial welfare property tax exemption to rental housing that includes units for both low
• in San Francisco, and I'm here to respectfully urge you to support SB 1415, which would update our welfare
• Importantly, the proposed expansion of the welfare tax exemption would be focused exclusively on the
• ... ...projects that include moderate-income units while ensuring the benefit of the property tax welfare

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: 987, senate, all