Transcript Highlights:

• uh section 31. uh section 31.
• the regulation<01:42:10.880> or<01:42:11.199> even<01:42:11.360> in<01:42:11.600
• Indeed,<01:42:15.360> I<01:42:15.600> have<01:42:15.760> another<01:42:16.080>
• penalty<01:42:24.800> case<01:42:25.360> that<01:42:25.600> I<01:42:25.760>
• <01:42:45.119> that<01:42:45.360> they<01:42:45.520> have<01:42:45.600> a

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then recognized a staff member’s birthday and a guest shadowing Senator Adams. It then moved into informational review of Education and Labor Cabinet, Department of Education regulation 702 KAR 3:30, which sets insurance coverage requirements for school district buildings and structures. Department of Education officials explained that districts are expected to carry coverage at replacement cost and said they understand some districts participate in self-insurance pools with backup policies, but they deferred detailed insurance questions to the Department of Insurance. Senators raised concerns that pooled coverage could leave districts exposed if claims exceed pool limits, and the chair asked KDE to follow up with DOI to confirm districts are adequately covered, especially for bondholders. No vote was taken on the informational review. The committee then reviewed emergency ABC regulations 804 KAR 130:01 through 130:04 implementing Senate Bill 100’s new licensing requirements for tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product businesses. ABC and Public Protection Cabinet representatives outlined the emergency rules governing enforcement, license applications, denial criteria, and transitional licenses. Retail industry witnesses Shannon Stiglet and Brian Clark said they support licensure in principle but argued the rules add duplicative requirements borrowed from alcohol licensing, create confusion about transitional licenses, and may be too burdensome for the roughly 7,000 affected businesses to meet by the January 1 deadline. They also said guidance has been inconsistent and requested the agency revise the regulations, remove requirements not grounded in law, and provide clearer, separate processes for new and existing businesses. Committee members asked whether the industry had worked directly with ABC and noted the public comment period was still open. Witnesses said they had communicated with ABC and the Public Protection Cabinet, but responses had been uneven and they wanted written guidance. Members expressed concern about the short timeline and the need to avoid disruption so businesses can operate legally on January 1. Representative Marzian asked for clarification that the discussion concerned emergency regulations already in effect while ordinary regulations remain in process. No formal action was taken beyond receiving the informational testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:01.040> And<00:42:01.359> so<00:42:01.920> we<00:42:02.319> really
• :42:04.720> time<00:42:05.119> to<00:42:06.000> try<00:42:06.240> and<00:
• > the<00:42:14.079> intent<00:42:14.400> of<00:42:14.480> the<00:42:14.720><
• <00:42:16.400> bill<00:42:16.560> is<00:42:16.800> that<00:42:17.200> in<
• > current<00:42:18.079> form,<00:42:19.119> um<00:42:19.359> it<00:42:19.599

Bills: HB0130, HB0095, HB0096, HB0097, SF0101, SF0106, SF0067, SF0123

Keywords: Second Amendment, firearms, state rights, federal regulation, law enforcement, civil penalties, government liability, concealed carry, public colleges, university facilities, weapons legislation, self-defense, campus safety, weapons, age requirement, permits, HB0097, Wyoming firearms privacy, merchant category code, MCC

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:10.960> on<00:42:11.240> this<00:42:11.920> measure<00:42:12.920> total
• ><00:42:27.280> a<00:42:27.440> bill<00:42:28.359> I'd<00:42:28.720> like
• here<00:42:30.200> at<00:42:30.359> this<00:42:30.559> table<00:42:31.280>
• > you<00:42:31.760> do<00:42:31.880> it<00:42:32.079> right<00:42:32.599>
• this<00:42:32.800> time<00:42:33.079> but<00:42:33.280> if<00:42:33.359>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a series of transportation and public safety bills, beginning with HB 706, which would require skateboard users under age 16 to wear helmets. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, and the chair noted written support from AAA Hawaii, Kulani Medical Center for Women and Children, and several individuals. No opposition was mentioned, and the bill appeared to draw no questions. Members then heard HB 860, which would grant immunity to the state or county that repairs or maintains a street when ownership or jurisdiction is disputed. DOT and DLNR supported the bill, with county support from Maui and a Hawaii Island county representative, while the Hawaii Association for Justice opposed it. The committee also heard HB 1162, requiring applicants for a motorcycle instruction permit to complete an approved basic rider course, with DOT support and a recommended amendment to exempt motorcycles used for training; the Public Defender asked about the current process, and DOT explained the bill was intended to improve safety given motorcycle fatalities. HB 1259, allowing speed-limit reductions within 10 mph of the current limit without an engineering study, also drew DOT support and support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and individuals. The committee next considered HB 1158, a governor’s package bill limiting civil liability for people who provide firefighting services with vessels at commercial harbors or roadsteads to gross negligence or wanton conduct. DOT Harbors said the bill was prompted by lessons from the Lahaina fires and was intended to encourage privately owned firefighting-equipped vessels to assist without hesitation; the Hawaii Harbor Users Group and an individual supported it. HB 54, which would make a third or subsequent excessive speeding offense a Class C felony and allow vehicle forfeiture, drew DOT support but strong opposition from the Public Defender, who argued the bill was overly harsh, would force jury trials, and could create sentencing problems; the Public Defender also said existing penalties were already significant. The committee then heard HB 1334, which would exempt donations of wild game meat, including axis deer, to charitable and nonprofit organizations from certain meat inspection and transportation laws; DLNR and multiple community and food-related groups supported it, and no opposition was noted. Finally, the committee took up HB 698 on animal cruelty, which would increase criminal penalties for various offenses. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the cases are rare, enforcement is limited, and the proposed penalties—up to Class A felony treatment in some cases—were too severe; animal welfare advocates strongly supported the measure, saying cruelty cases are widespread, underreported, and under-enforced, and that stronger penalties are needed as a deterrent. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the bills in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024,<00:42:12.880> the<00:42:13.119> legislature<00:42:13.760> enacted<00:42
• > it<00:42:25.760> if<00:42:26.000> it<00:42:26.160> becomes<00:42:27.200
• <00:42:30.240> Sylvia<00:42:30.720> because<00:42:31.040> he<00:42:31.280>
• > um<00:42:33.839> with<00:42:34.160> me<00:42:34.319> and<00:42:34.560>
• Um, but the purpose<00:42:37.680> of<00:42:37.839> the<00:42:38.000> bill<00:42:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:42:18.800> year<00:42:18.960> and<00:42:19.079> a<00:42:19.240> half
• c><00:42:19.520> or<00:42:19.800> or<00:42:20.119> so<00:42:20.440> that
• with them so they<00:42:23.880> going<00:42:24.119> back<00:42:24.280> to<00:42
• > like<00:42:32.720> as<00:42:32.839> long<00:42:33.000> as<00:42:33.119>
• <00:42:34.400> fund<00:42:35.280> um<00:42:35.760> they<00:42:36.160> have

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land met on March 13, 2025, and first announced that SB 1456 would be deferred to the end of the agenda and ultimately worked on later, with the chair indicating the bill would be deferred and revisited in a future measure. The committee then heard SB 841 on marine life conservation districts. DLNR supported the bill, saying it would fund carrying capacity studies to inform rules and policies. Testimony noted a pilot study already underway at the Puka Marine Life Conservation District and another nearing completion at the old Kona Airport MLCD. Members discussed costs, with DLNR estimating about $300,000 per year for one user-experience study, potentially more for ecological analysis, and also discussed possible funding from the Mālama Kai special fund. DLNR said it had no objection to consulting current operators and other users, and explained the program would be a new, ongoing adaptive-management tool. The committee next heard SB 411 on capital improvement projects at small boat harbors. DLNR supported the intent, saying the bill would help expedite use of special funds for CIP work, while the Department of Budget and Finance opposed it, arguing the draft could conflict with constitutional limits on appropriations. Public testimony from an industry representative supported the bill and urged more collaboration with commercial operators, while committee discussion focused on whether DLNR could already use special funds for repairs, how much engineering and bidding work is required before projects go out to bid, and whether the current process creates bottlenecks when bids exceed initial estimates. DLNR said it can do some repairs and maintenance within existing authority and funding ceilings, but that the bill as drafted could be too broad. The committee also heard SB 5 on historic preservation, where DLNR supported the measure and NAOP Hawaii opposed it, saying the bill’s broader definition could expand the scope beyond the stated goal of narrowing reviews and reducing backlog. The committee then took up SB 1462 on the state historic preservation income tax credit. The Department of Taxation said the revenue estimate assumes the cap would be reached each year the credit is available, and DLNR supported the bill. SHPD said the prior credit had sunset, outreach had previously been done in targeted communities such as Chinatown, and owners of eligible historic properties are notified during review. Finally, the committee heard SB 268 on island burial councils. DLNR supported the bill, and OHA strongly supported it, saying the councils have struggled with quorum and expertise and that the measure would restore the original intent of having lineal descendants and cultural practitioners as decision makers, while still allowing landowners and developers to testify and participate. OHA also said it would help provide technical support and urged continued involvement from SHPD and the Attorney General’s office.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:18.040> ever<00:42:18.640> do<00:42:19.000> something<00:42:19.520>
• > and<00:42:20.480> and<00:42:20.800> I<00:42:21.000> don't<00:42:21.319>
• <00:42:39.599> say<00:42:39.960> with<00:42:40.280> respect<00:42:40.680>
• > audit<00:42:42.319> um<00:42:42.839> of<00:42:43.160> the<00:42:43.280>
• :45.920> audit<00:42:46.440> so<00:42:46.760> it's<00:42:47.040> in<00:42

Bills: HF1867, HF1240

Keywords: lottery, retailer contracts, Minnesota Statutes, contract qualifications, public integrity, criminal background, legislative auditor, public funds, state government, compliance, transparency, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:42:09.280> Um,<01:42:09.520> but<01:42:09.760> I'm<01:42:09.920> not<
• > Trump,<01:42:11.760> and<01:42:12.000> even<01:42:12.239> if<01:42:12.400>
• <01:42:26.480> But<01:42:26.639> I<01:42:26.880> want<01:42:27.040> to
• 01:42:31.920> for<01:42:32.080> the<01:42:32.239> most<01:42:32.320> part
• The first one<01:42:39.920> is<01:42:40.080> the<01:42:40.320> one<01:42:40.480>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs recessed briefly for a joint hearing, then reconvened and took up House Bill 2494, which would limit warrantless arrests for petty misdemeanors and violations, require officers to document arrest justification, expand citation-in-lieu-of-arrest use, and direct the Judiciary to create a standardized citation form. The chair also outlined hearing procedures and testimony time limits. Committee members later received an overview from the Policing Project about national trends in expanding citation use. Testimony was divided. Supporters, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, the Office of the Public Defender, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and the Policing Project, argued the bill would reduce unnecessary arrests and pretrial detention, lessen jail overcrowding, save law enforcement time, and reduce harms such as job loss, housing instability, family disruption, and recidivism. They also said the bill preserves officer discretion through public-safety and flight-risk exceptions, and several supporters urged the committee to adopt a standardized citation form despite the Judiciary’s request for a delayed implementation date. Opposition came from the Department of the Attorney General, the Judiciary, county prosecutors, Honolulu Police Department, and other individuals. They argued the bill would unduly restrict law enforcement discretion, create administrative and data-processing problems, and make it harder to identify repeat or habitual offenders because of changes to citation information and fingerprinting. The Judiciary requested implementation no earlier than January 1, 2028 and said the citation form would need major changes. Opponents also warned the bill could increase litigation, suppress evidence, and not meaningfully reduce overcrowding because most jail populations are held on felony matters. The chair reported 14 testimonies in support, 21 in opposition, and one with comments; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.560> only<00:42:00.839> one<00:42:01.000> of<00:42:01.119> them<00:42
• /c><00:42:04.240> examination<00:42:05.240> report<00:42:06.000> uh<00:42:06.119
• of reliability<00:42:22.280> um<00:42:23.240> as<00:42:23.319> I<00:42:23.440><
• the<00:42:28.839> expectations<00:42:29.400> uniform<00:42:30.119> we<00:42:
• 42:38.680> and<00:42:38.920> this<00:42:39.680> all<00:42:39.839> of<00:42

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1494 on hearing aids. Testimony was generally supportive of expanding hearing-aid coverage, with the Insurance Division raising concern about possible federal defrayment issues, SHPDA supporting the goal of hearing augmentation, DCAB strongly supporting the bill as an important access issue, and health plans and insurers asking for amendments. Kaiser Permanente and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans requested changes to add a medical-necessity standard and clarify annual notice language, while HMSA suggested the proposal should be studied by the auditor. The chair noted concerns about federal preemption and the lack of an audit, and deferred the bill in favor of a related resolution calling for a study. The committee then heard SB 1448, an emergency appropriation for the Hawaii State Hospital. DAGS and the Department of Health supported the measure, with the hospital administrator saying the funding would improve the environment of care, support cleaning, and allow a third-party review of the building. Committee members questioned the size of the request and the status of litigation against the design-builder. Administration witnesses said they were pursuing a comprehensive study involving destructive testing, had made a demand on the design-builder to fund the study, and were using different processes than before. They also said the roof work would be handled through a separate CIP request. No final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee next heard SB 1432, relating to the future responsibilities of the Department of Health and land issues at Kalaupapa after the last patient dies. DOH supported the bill in part but said its long-term role would be limited mainly to environmental cleanup, with operations expected to continue under the National Park Service and land-use decisions left to DHHL and beneficiary consultation. DHHL asked that the measure reflect that any land-use or zoning changes on homeland lands require commission approval and beneficiary consultation. Testifiers from Kalaupapa and Maui County, including Degra Vanderbilt-Papa and Council Member Keani Rollins-Fernandez, supported deferring the bill, saying there had been no meaningful community discussion about provisions affecting Kalaupapa’s future management and possible transfer of responsibilities to Maui County. The committee also read into the record written testimony from Gloria Marks emphasizing that Kalaupapa stakeholders must be included in future discussions. Finally, the committee heard SB 955 on fitness-to-proceed examinations. The Judiciary and the Public Defender’s Office both supported raising pay and standardizing expectations for private examiners, but opposed reducing felony fitness evaluations from three examiners to one and opposed expanding use of expedited reports. They argued that a single examiner would reduce reliability, create a more adversarial process, and likely increase costs and contested hearings, while expedited reports do not contain enough information for a proper fitness determination. The Department of Health also supported the bill’s intent but asked to preserve a three-examiner framework and said the goal was to reduce the number of people sent to the State Hospital, where admissions have reportedly risen about 20% year over year since Act 26. The bill remained under discussion in the excerpt, with no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• will have<00:42:02.000> their<00:42:02.240> rights<00:42:02.560> protected<00:42
• <00:42:04.800> So<00:42:06.240> any<00:42:06.560> questions really important
• <00:42:12.400> Thank<00:42:12.480> you<00:42:12.640> for<00:42:12.800> your
• So, we've<00:42:55.520> um<00:42:55.760> had<00:42:56.079> trainings<00:42:56.640
• prepare lawyers<00:42:57.839> for<00:42:58.960> um<00:42:59.359> SB<00:42:59.839

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > what<00:42:02.400> I<00:42:02.960> expected<00:42:03.480> but<00:42:03.599
• > wanted<00:42:04.079> to<00:42:04.280> confirm<00:42:04.720> that<00:42:
• <00:42:12.680> White<00:42:13.079> House<00:42:14.079> and<00:42:14.800>
• > know<00:42:15.640> I<00:42:15.839> I've<00:42:15.960> been<00:42:16.119
• and<00:42:19.319> and<00:42:19.599> follow<00:42:19.920> it<00:42:20.160>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention heard presentations focused on public housing and related funding needs, with testimony from Minnesota NAHRO and several local housing authorities. Melissa Taphorn described the role of housing authorities statewide, including public housing, vouchers, CDBG/HOME funds, Bridges, and HEAT, and emphasized that public housing serves over 36,000 low-income Minnesotans, many of whom are seniors, people with disabilities, or children. She said federal operating and capital funds are insufficient, creating deferred maintenance backlogs, and noted that Minnesota’s public housing capital needs over a five-year period were about $500 million, with nearly $200 million unmet. She also discussed federal uncertainty, including a recent HUD funding freeze notice, possible changes to fair housing requirements, RAD repositioning options, and Build America, Buy America costs. Committee members asked about tenant rent calculations and the populations served. Testimony clarified that public housing residents generally pay 30% of monthly income, with utility allowances factored in, and that the average tenant rent in Minnesota is about $399. Members also heard that about 65% of public housing households are seniors or people with disabilities, while about 35% are families. The committee then heard examples of how state POP grants have been used to preserve public housing stock. Kurt Kina of the Red Wing HRA described multiple POP-funded projects that replaced windows, upgraded heating and cooling, and modernized electrical systems in a 100-resident high-rise, saying the work was essential to keep the building viable. Louise Siba of the St. Paul PHA testified that St. Paul’s authority serves nearly 22,000 people through more than 4,200 public housing units and over 5,200 vouchers, with most townhomes and high-rises serving elderly or disabled residents. She said St. Paul PHA has received nearly $16 million in POP funding since 2012, including about $8.5 million last year, and that those funds enabled major life-safety and modernization projects such as the Denan Terrace renovation and boiler, plumbing, and interior upgrades in high-rises. Jill Keers of the Duluth HRA described a broader set of housing programs, including vouchers, rehab loans, emergency repair funds, construction training, and development. She said Duluth HRA is adding 128 housing units between 2023 and 2025, including mixed-income rentals, senior housing, and family townhomes, and stressed that state investment through POP and other programs is necessary to keep housing affordable and safe.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><01:42:42.000> the<01:42:42.159> one<01:42:42.320> hand<01:42:43.119> for
• /c><01:42:45.040> and<01:42:45.280> on<01:42:45.440> the<01:42:45.679> other<
• .<01:42:54.159> Either<01:42:54.639> one<01:42:54.719> is<01:42:54.960> fine.
• to 42 CFR? to 42 CFR?
• And I'm really struggling to understand section three, section four, section five, and section two, I

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• practice is<00:42:02.480> that<00:42:02.640> if<00:42:02.839> the<00:42:03.040>
• /c><00:42:12.200> need<00:42:12.520> does<00:42:12.680> not<00:42:12.880> go<
• need<00:42:25.520> doesn't<00:42:25.920> still<00:42:26.359> exist<00:42:27.319
• individual's continued individual's continued well-being<00:42:48.319> section<00:42:48.640
• section three of the bill well-being section three of the bill would<00:42:49.559> require<00:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll<00:42:02.880> have<00:42:03.040> you<00:42:03.200> come<00:42:03.359> up
• RSA 362A9 sections X and X or 10 and 12 RSA 362A9 sections X and X or 10 and 12 um<00:42:36.480> which
• <00:42:37.280> uh<00:42:37.440> as<00:42:37.599> well<00:42:37.760> as
• ><00:42:38.000> SB<00:42:38.400> 391<00:42:38.960> which<00:42:39.200> has
• c> previously<00:42:40.000> stated<00:42:41.200> um<00:42:42.640> just<00:42

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with housekeeping items, approved the minutes and consent agenda, and reminded the public that JLCAR’s role is limited to determining whether agency rules are within statutory authority, not to decide policy. Testimony was to be limited, and members noted that policy concerns should be addressed through the legislature rather than the committee process. The first major item was Public Utilities Commission rule 25-215 concerning natural gas suppliers. Staff said the proposal had been postponed because the PUC appeared to lack authority to impose fines and penalties in this rule set, especially suspending or revoking registrations, and recommended either a conditional approval removing those provisions or a preliminary objection for lack of statutory authority. PUC counsel responded that the cited authority had been incorrect, that the Department of Energy now has most registration rulemaking authority, but argued the commission still has jurisdiction over mediation and dispute resolution and may still have authority over fines because natural gas suppliers are not expressly excluded from public-utility status. Committee members discussed the split between PUC and DOE authority and the possibility that the transition in authority had not been fully cleaned up in statute. The committee then voted to grant a waiver of the time limit and postpone the item for another month so the agencies could work with counsel and clarify which parts of the rule could proceed. Members also urged that any needed legislative fix be brought forward quickly, noting that the Senate was not taking up non-germane amendments and suggesting the House as the likely venue for a cleanup bill. The committee next took up Department of Energy EN900 and EN1000 rules. Staff said the EN900 net-metering rules had been postponed previously and that the main remaining issue was a retroactive requirement in EN909.03(b), which the agency agreed to revise so the language would apply only on or after the 2026 effective date of the chapter. The agency described the EN900 rules as implementing net metering authority transferred from the PUC and expanding the chapter to cover municipal group net metering and low- and moderate-income community solar projects. The EN1000 interconnection rules were described as implementing 2024 legislation requiring uniform procedures for distributed energy resources. The department said both sets of rules were developed through extensive stakeholder input and asked for approval subject to the oral amendment already discussed."}】【。json

Transcript Highlights:

• to striking the baseless perhaps to striking the baseless information<00:42:12.839> section<00
• :42:13.520> absolutely<00:42:14.200> not<00:42:15.200> I information section absolutely
• not I information section absolutely not I think<00:42:15.480> false<00:42:15.880> will
• both<00:42:22.440> sections<00:42:23.400> yep questions that's in both sections
• yep questions that's in both sections yep the<00:42:23.760> Bas<00:42:23.960> of<00:42

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > paragen<00:42:03.200> msrs<00:42:03.920> General<00:42:04.359> and<00:42
• :42:30.800> will<00:42:31.000> discuss<00:42:31.359> the<00:42:31.480> CSA
• <00:42:47.240> experience<00:42:47.760> studies<00:42:48.200> for<00:42:48.599><
• estimates<00:42:54.680> of<00:42:54.839> proposed<00:42:55.240> legislation<00:42
• 01:42:16.679> you<01:42:16.800> Mr<01:42:17.000> chair<01:42:17.599> and<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:01.720> to<00:42:01.840> move<00:42:02.040> quicker<00:42:02.800> and<
• This<00:42:13.760> will<00:42:13.920> allow<00:42:14.240> us<00:42:14.520> to
• 42:16.960> back<00:42:17.280> even<00:42:17.600> further<00:42:18.360> and
• We<00:42:23.520> are<00:42:23.600> specific<00:42:24.120> about<00:42:24.440>
• <00:42:36.440> in<00:42:36.640> this<00:42:36.840> bill<00:42:37.520> by<

Bills: HF2354, HF3621, HF3429, HF3483

Keywords: medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, fraud, payment withholding, withheld payments, program integrity, public funds, state agency, program participant, credible allegation of fraud, administrative reconsideration, contested case, chapter 14, data practices, confidential data, protected nonpublic data, anti-fraud

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from March 5 by voice vote and welcomed new member Representative Van Binsbergen. It then took up House File 2354, which Chair Liebling moved to re-refer to the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee. Representative Norris presented the bill as an updated version of the Medical Assistance Protection Act, aimed at strengthening the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, closing loopholes, equalizing fraud penalties, and increasing penalties for large-scale Medicaid fraud. Attorney General Ellison said the bill would add 18 specialized staff to the unit, moving it from 32 to 50 positions, and argued the federal-state matching structure makes the Attorney General’s office the proper home for the funding because the unit is dedicated to Medicaid fraud work. Nick Wonka, director of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, explained the bill’s provisions affecting committee jurisdiction: expanded subpoena authority to obtain financial account contents in provider-fraud investigations, conforming legal representation language to preserve the unit’s authority, venue changes to allow charging in counties where parts of the offense occurred, and a restitution change to let courts order restitution for related conduct in the same scheme. He said the subpoena change would speed investigations and align the Attorney General’s authority with other agencies, and that the restitution change would help recover more fraudulently obtained Medicaid funds. No public testimony was offered. Members questioned why the funding should go to the Attorney General’s office rather than the BCA, whether the new records authority was federally required, how the venue language would work across state lines, and whether the added FTEs indicated the fraud problem was larger than expected. Ellison and Wonka responded that the federal grant requires the work to stay within the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, that the unit’s investigators are specialized and work with, but separate from, law enforcement, and that the venue provision applies only within Minnesota while out-of-state matters would be referred to the appropriate authorities. The amendment that had been posted was withdrawn and not offered.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:42:15.839> we<00:42:16.079> do<00:42:16.319> have<00:42:16.720> that
• <00:42:26.720> um<00:42:26.880> if<00:42:27.359> or<00:42:27.599> and
• <00:42:27.839> you<00:42:28.000> can<00:42:28.079> also<00:42:28.319> put
• on<00:42:29.200> this<00:42:29.440> language<00:42:29.920> or<00:42:30.240><
• 42:33.920> concern<00:42:34.160> of<00:42:34.319> the<00:42:34.560> last<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:00.560> There<00:42:00.800> was<00:42:00.880> a<00:42:01.040> fee<
• If<00:42:05.119> you<00:42:05.359> choose<00:42:05.599> to<00:42:05.920> have
• <00:42:13.599> We're<00:42:13.839> doing<00:42:14.079> the<00:42:14.319>
• 19.520> to<00:42:19.760> us,<00:42:20.560> why<00:42:20.800> should<00:42
• <00:42:22.800> and<00:42:23.119> again<00:42:24.000> again<00:42:24.240>

Bills: SB57, SB155, HB39, HB77, HB104, SB57, SB155, HB39, HB77, HB104

Keywords: property, acknowledgment, conveyance, business entities, limited liability companies, state employees, payroll deduction, salary deduction, comptroller, membership association, membership dues, voluntary contributions, insurance premiums, financial instruments, deferred compensation, state payroll, employee benefits, association dues, withholding, Alabama Code 36-1-4.3

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:01.520> Section<00:42:01.920> three<00:42:02.480> deletes collection
• Section three deletes the<00:42:03.280> first<00:42:03.520> attempt<00:42:04.400> at
• /c><00:42:08.000> that<00:42:08.240> requires<00:42:08.640> ANR<00:42:09.200>
• This general permit<00:42:13.599> says<00:42:13.839> that<00:42:14.160> an<00:42
• :42:16.640> to<00:42:16.800> the<00:42:17.040> engineer<00:42:17.440> of<

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:42:47.679> that<01:42:48.000> section travel in that section travel in that section
• > this<02:42:04.720> section believe that by saying in this section believe that by saying
• in this section new<02:42:05.439> landfill<02:42:05.920> means<02:42:06.240> something
• <02:42:08.399> in<02:42:08.640> the<02:42:08.800> section for anything contained
• in the section for anything contained in the section So<02:42:09.840> I<02:42:10.080> actually

Keywords: 1191, senate, all