Transcript Highlights:

• Marley McDade Williams, 38 states and the District of Columbia currently use a child in foster care's SSI

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• support, it's something that our caucus had to fight with Democrats last year in order to get the SSIS
• 11.199> the the the governor gave the example of the the the governor gave the example of the SSIS
• Uh, Representative Jess Hansen [questionable] led on trying to fund SSIS for years.
• /c><01:43:32.000> trying<01:43:32.239> to<01:43:32.400> fund<01:43:32.719> SSIS
• <01:43:33.520> for Hansen led on trying to fund SSIS for Hansen led on trying to fund SSIS

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So for those people that disability are getting funding from SSI and getting funding from waivers, landlords
• So for those people that disability are getting funding from SSI and getting funding from waivers, landlords
• So for those people that disability are getting funding from SSI and getting funding from waivers, landlords
• 00:32:01.279> getting<00:32:01.760> funding<00:32:02.399> from<00:32:03.399> SSI
• disability are getting funding from SSI disability are getting funding from SSI and<00:32:04.440

Bills: HF2296, HF1566, HF1854, HF1385, HF1142

Keywords: landlord-tenant, victim confidentiality, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, tenant privacy, housing law, eviction, unpaid rent, damages, release of information, shared database, protective order, victim of violence, Minnesota Statutes 504B.206, housing finance, civil law, autism, rental properties, reasonable accommodation

Transcript Highlights:

• Two, monitor any federal asset or resource limits for the child's SSI benefits.
• just identified, uh for the child as I just identified, uh for the child receiving<02:18:11.040> SSI
• Two, monitor any receiving SSI benefits.
• asset or resource limits for the federal asset or resource limits for the child's<02:18:16.639> SSI
• child's SSI benefits. child's SSI benefits.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There was some tweaks they needed that the SSIS software update they all need because it's antiquated
• There was some tweaks they needed that There was some tweaks they needed that the<00:58:16.240> SSIS
• 17.599> update<00:58:18.000> they<00:58:18.240> all<00:58:18.319> need the SSIS
• software update they all need the SSIS software update they all need because<00:58:18.799> it's

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes recipients of Medicaid and individuals receiving SSI or SSDI.
• of Medicaid um and individuals uh of Medicaid um and individuals uh receiving<01:02:32.680> SSI
• 34.440> um<01:02:34.640> the<01:02:34.760> atcs<01:02:35.400> also receiving SSI
• or SSDI um the atcs also receiving SSI or SSDI um the atcs also allow<01:02:36.920> um<01:02:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Oversight Committee met on February 2 and first approved the draft minutes from the prior meeting, with minor corrections to the meeting date and attendance notation. DHHS Associate Commissioner Patricia Tilly then gave a department update, describing the current uncertainty around federal priorities and funding, and provided two substantive reports: progress on the new Hampstead Youth Development Center and an update on the department’s review of an ALS registry proposal. She said the YDC project is underway with tree clearing, fencing, stormwater and site-prep work, and remains on track for completion by June 30, 2026 and operation by August 30, 2026. The center currently has 12 youth, and the new design is intended to provide flexibility for fluctuating census levels. On ALS, Tilly explained that HB 576 had prompted the department to examine whether a registry could be built, but the estimated cost of a HIPAA-compliant system was about $750,000. She said DHHS is reviewing whether existing data sources, such as hospital discharge data and CHIS claims data, could provide useful information, but noted both are incomplete for registry purposes. Committee members discussed whether the Rare Disease Advisory Council, Dartmouth, or existing cancer registry infrastructure could help reduce costs. DHHS said it is neutral and willing to continue exploring alternatives, while members emphasized the value of a registry and the need to consider shared infrastructure and funding. The committee also heard from Jenny Horan of the Alzheimer’s Association, who presented the subcommittee’s report on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. She said the subcommittee spent the past year gathering information on dementia care, abuse and exploitation issues, caregiver strain, and available services, and is now moving into a second phase focused on identifying gaps and developing a state plan. Members asked about geriatric psychiatric capacity and long-term care availability; Horan said the state has limited capacity and that the plan will help clarify where needs are greatest. She offered to return for follow-up questions at a later meeting. Finally, Olivia May of DHHS presented the quarterly report on the 12-month postpartum Medicaid coverage extension. She said New Hampshire implemented the extension after federal and state action, and the first claims data are still emerging because of reporting lags. In the initial cohort studied, 95% received some medical services during the extended period, 52.4% received mental health or substance use disorder treatment, 26.7% received preventive visits, and 3.2% received heart or hypertension services. Members asked about return on investment and whether higher federal matching rates are being used appropriately; DHHS said it claims the highest possible match based on eligibility group and will return with more data over time. The committee then heard the annual therapeutic cannabis program report from Michael Holt, who said the program had 1,475 registered patients as of June 30, 2024 and that growth has slowed, with New Hampshire having the lowest per-capita medical cannabis enrollment nationally.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do, just on a quick question, I think there's a bigger, broader SSI change that's happening.
• Being able to then actually get SSI, I imagine, would have to— ...find whatever will be their now new
• figure out which offices exist and then figure out how to help them get to that office, yes, which SSI

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was an informational and oversight session of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities, with chairs and members hearing agency updates from several commissioners. The Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition described its maternal and child health work, including home visiting, early intervention, WIC, newborn hearing screening, and cross-agency efforts on prenatal substance exposure, respite care, children’s vision, and maternal health initiatives. DPH emphasized that federal grant cuts, layoffs, and the loss of data systems such as PRAMS would weaken services and planning, and members asked about Title V funding and the impact of federal uncertainty. The Massachusetts Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing highlighted communication access services, interpreter and CART referrals, emergency after-hours support, family navigation, and independent living services. Commissioners and members discussed the shortage of ASL interpreters and the need to expand training pipelines, including partnerships with colleges and possible ASL programming for younger students. The Department of Developmental Services reported serving nearly 50,000 people and focused on youth and adult services, transition-age supports, autism services, self-direction, respite, and new high-acuity residential models. Members asked about respite availability, self-direction outcomes, and workforce shortages; DDS said it was expanding clinical capacity and provider rates while monitoring possible federal Medicaid, SNAP, and immigration-related impacts. The Commission for the Blind described services for about 28,000 legally blind residents, most of whom are older adults, including social rehabilitation, orientation and mobility training, children’s services, assistive technology, vocational rehabilitation, and Turning 22 supports. The commissioner discussed a UMass-based effort to build the workforce pipeline for blindness services and said the agency was watching federal restructuring but had not yet seen direct cuts. MassAbility’s leadership then warned about major federal changes affecting Social Security disability determinations, including staff restructuring, office closures, and a new overpayment repayment policy, and said the agency was preparing for possible increases in claims and uncertainty around reallotment dollars that help fund services. The Disabled Persons Protection Commission closed the hearing with an update on its abuse investigations and protective services for adults with disabilities. DPPC reported rising hotline calls and investigations, a growing caseload, its sexual assault response team, the abuser registry, and a new interagency protective services integration system funded by ARPA dollars through 2027. The agency also flagged new federal rules that could affect funding eligibility and said it may need statutory changes to comply. Members asked about funding, reporting pathways, and how complaints reach DPPC, and the commissioner said the agency uses both mandated reporting and proactive outreach to identify and respond to abuse.

Transcript Highlights:

• Counties offer contingent support for Senate File 4635 to redirect federal SSI and RSDI benefits to a
• Counties offer contingent support for Senate File 4635 to redirect federal SSI and RSDI benefits to a
• Senate File 4635 would redirect federal SSI and RSDI benefits to a trust.
• these issues for foster youth more broadly, including those that are not eligible for our RSDI and SSI
• not eligible for our RSDI and SSI not eligible for our RSDI and SSI benefits. benefits. benefits

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If a defendant is on Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, Veterans Benefits, SSI, or SSDI, subsidized housing, was represented

Bills: HJR11, HB59, HB418, HB342, HB408, HB409, HB133, HB134, HB414, HB355

Keywords: HOPE Court, homeless court, housing instability, homelessness, poverty elimination, problem-solving court, community court, diversion program, criminal justice reform, reentry, warrants, fines and fees, low-level offenses, housing access, public safety, recidivism, Delaware Judiciary, DSHA, DHSS, DELJIS

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met and heard presentations on several bills. House Amendment 1 to Senate Substitute 1 for House Bill 145 would restrict government use of reverse keyword searches, generally prohibiting reverse keyword court orders and voluntary requests, with a narrow exception for Class A violent felony investigations and rules on notice, deletion, and inadmissibility of unlawfully obtained evidence. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 368, with House Amendment 1, would limit Delaware law enforcement and the Department of Correction’s participation in federal civil immigration enforcement, especially regarding civil immigration warrants and detainers, while preserving exceptions for serious offenses and valid judicial processes; the Department of Correction said it had no operational or fiscal impact and supported the exclusions, and an ACLU-affiliated witness testified in support. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 427 would allow certain 16- and 17-year-olds to participate in hunting and target practice without direct adult supervision if they have parental permission, hunter education, and a valid Delaware hunting license. House Bill 355, the “Speak Your Truth Act,” would expand anti-SLAPP-style protections for survivors of sexual assault, discrimination, and harassment by raising the burden in defamation suits and allowing attorney’s fees and damages; advocates from the National Women’s Defense League and the Speak Your Truth movement supported it. House Bill 134 would increase penalties for repeat animal cruelty offenders and lengthen animal ownership bans. The committee also heard House Bill 133, as amended, which would create a hardship waiver process allowing courts to waive fines and fees for defendants who cannot afford them, while preserving restitution and exempting certain traffic-related penalties and victim compensation assessments. The administration said the bill is intended to address uncollectable debt and noted millions in outstanding fines and fees, while local government and police representatives raised concerns about lost revenue, administrative burden, and consistency; the Fines and Fees Justice Center supported the measure. Committee members asked about how the waiver funding would affect local governments, volunteer fire companies, and related fees, and the administration said the $5 million budgeted this year would cover the waiver costs and be treated as an annual expense going forward. No committee votes were taken during the excerpted discussion, but the chair indicated that bills ready for action would be circulated for signature or moved to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• think 90, I think near 95% of the juveniles that Legislative Audit identified in this finding have SSI
• That Legislative Audit identified in this finding have SSI Medicaid.

Summary: The Legislative Joint Auditing Committee met on June 5 and first adopted prior minutes and several committee reports. The executive committee report noted adoption of its minutes, staff updates on scheduled audits, approval of an annual financial audit for the City of Horseshoe Bend, and an update on the intern program. The Counties and Municipalities report covered delinquent private water and sewer audits, compliance follow-up with towns including Denning, Gum Springs, Omer, Fargo, Jericho, and Haynes, and review of current and deferred reports; the committee filed most current reports but deferred several and referred some matters to prosecutors and the Attorney General. The Educational Institutions report said 103 education audits were reviewed, most with no findings, while several school districts had findings and one Booneville School District finding was referred to law enforcement. The State Agencies report included findings at the Department of Finance and Administration and a deferred Department of Health report, and the committee filed 13 reports. The committee then received lengthy presentations on the State of Arkansas annual comprehensive financial report and the state single audit for fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. Legislative Audit issued unmodified opinions on the state financial statements, but identified two material weaknesses: insufficient internal controls at the Office of State Technology to monitor threats and unauthorized access, and improper methodology changes and documentation issues at the Division of Workforce Services affecting year-end estimates for unemployment-related accounts. The single audit covered $12.4 billion in federal awards across 469 programs, with 16 major programs reviewed. Auditors reported 33 findings overall, including 31 federal findings, $12.9 million in outstanding questioned costs, and qualified opinions for the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program, the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, and the Child Care Development Fund cluster. Committee members questioned DHS, the broadband office, OST, DFA, Education, and Workforce Services about the findings, corrective actions, cyber protections, federal drawdowns, child care reporting, and accounting methodology changes. Several agencies described corrective steps. DHS said it had changed how it draws Summer EBT funds, addressed provider revalidation and incarceration-related Medicaid issues, and updated internal processes and staffing. The broadband office said the questioned costs reflected invoice documentation disputes rather than missing payments and expected Treasury review to resolve the issue. OST said it was expanding logging, endpoint detection, and enterprise monitoring, and described broader cybersecurity investments, training, and a roadmap. DFA and Workforce Services addressed the workers’ compensation and unemployment accounting issues, with Workforce Services saying it had updated its policy and submitted the methodology to DFA. After discussion, the committee voted to hold the two statewide audit reports over until the August meeting, with members asked to submit specific questions in advance so only needed agencies would return. The final item was a special report on the Hot Spring County Solid Waste Authority for January 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025. The audit reviewed compliance with laws, board procedures, bidding, payroll, permits, inspections, and cash handling. It noted prior private audit findings on segregation of duties, that recent private audit reports had not been obtained for 2023 through 2025, and that the current administrator said prior office staff and bookkeeping contractors resigned when he was hired. The authority’s operations and revenue sources were described, and the report was presented for committee review.

Transcript Highlights:

• money to update the system for child protection, which is obviously not a Medicaid-delivered service, SSIS
• SSIS, for example, I think we put in, um, I can't remember, maybe 15. >> Yeah, but it was like, I think

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House DFL leaders held a press availability outlining a broad anti-fraud agenda focused on state programs, especially Medicaid-related services, but also unemployment and tax fraud. They said the package is intended to strengthen accountability, improve oversight, and prevent fraud before it occurs, while arguing that fraud harms vulnerable Minnesotans such as children with autism, people with disabilities, seniors, and homeless people. They also tied the problem to long-term privatization of public services, arguing that outsourcing creates more layers and opportunities for fraud, and cited examples like county case management and managed care arrangements. Specific proposals discussed included strengthening the attorney general’s Medicaid fraud control unit, creating or expanding inspector general functions, requiring more in-person site visits, using electronic visit verification, improving background checks and fingerprinting, and upgrading outdated IT systems. Members said some bills would be relatively low-cost while others would require funding, and that bills without fiscal notes might move separately while others could be folded into budget discussions. They also said the House DFL had already taken steps in prior sessions, including creating a fraud unit at the BCA and adding DHS staff for site visits. The discussion also covered the Office of Inspector General bill, with DFL members saying they support placing the office in the executive branch and that the governor should make the final appointment for constitutional reasons. They said Republicans had blocked amendments they viewed as adding fraud-prevention authority to the OIG bill, and that the governor’s staff had not been involved in working groups. On a separate bill involving disclosure requirements, they said the committee version was improved but still flawed because it could interfere with investigations; they said it would next go to the Children and Families Committee. No votes were taken in the exchange, and members said they were still early in session and hoped for more constructive negotiations later.

Transcript Highlights:

• continued to serve the neediest in our community, managing through legislative craftsmanship to restore SSI

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, presentation of the colors, and the national anthem. The chamber welcomed cabinet members, Supreme Court justices, former Senate presidents and colleagues, and other guests. Senators also observed moments of silence honoring former Senator Geraldine Thompson and former Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart, and the Senate dedicated its 2024-2026 handbook to Thompson in recognition of her work in education and civics. The main action of the day was adoption of SCR 1294, which authorized the House and Senate to meet in joint session in the House chamber at 11 a.m. that day to receive a message from Governor Ron DeSantis. The resolution was adopted without objection, rules were waived, and it was immediately certified to the House. The Secretary was also directed to notify the House and Governor that the Senate was convened and ready to proceed with the 2025 regular session. In a lengthy opening-day address, the President outlined the session’s priorities, emphasizing rural Florida, citrus and agriculture, government efficiency, IT and cybersecurity reform, administrative rule review, affordability, insurance and property tax relief, autism services, veterans’ support, mental health and child welfare legislation, Everglades restoration, public school administrative efficiency, and food insecurity. No substantive debate or roll-call votes were taken beyond the unanimous adoption of the concurrent resolution. The Senate then adjourned until March 12, 2025, or upon the call of the President.

Transcript Highlights:

• allocated to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families because they have responsibility for the SSIS
• allocated to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families because they have responsibility for the SSIS
• allocated to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families because they have responsibility for the SSIS
• Youth, and Families, I believe that they will be able to move forward substantially with the parts of SSIS
• They have responsibility for the SSIS system.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There have been more kids coming into care that we have been doing SSI eligibility determinations on.
• 35.919> doing coming into care that we have been doing coming into care that we have been doing SSI
• <00:20:37.080> eligibility<00:20:37.679> determinations SSI eligibility determinations
• SSI eligibility determinations on on on okay<00:20:42.320> okay<00:20:43.320> all<00:20

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the January 14 minutes and then considered a large agenda of contracts, including personal services contracts, amendments, memoranda of agreement, and Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program items. The chair noted the agenda contained 240 items and emphasized the need for transparency in how contract approvals work. Several items were pulled for questions, while the rest were approved without objection. The first major discussion involved seven contingency-fee contracts for the Attorney General’s office. Committee members asked about the apparent $20 million maximum per contract, and staff explained that the amount was a ceiling, not a guarantee, and that under the statutory waterfall in KRS 45A.717 a $20 million fee would require roughly $355 million returned to the Commonwealth. Staff also said the new batch included some new firms, that these contracts are being handled in 6- to 12-month batches, and that no money had yet been spent from the prior cycle. The committee then approved those contracts. Members also questioned a Cabinet for Health and Family Services training contract, which officials said was needed because Finance provides only Kentucky-specific training, while the outside vendor offers broader procurement and federal-funds training; the committee approved that item. A University of Kentucky capital project contract for the State Capitol exterior renovation was approved after questions about the open-ended date, total project cost, and expected completion, with staff saying the overall project is projected for substantial completion by the end of 2026 and final warranty work could extend into 2027. A DCBS amendment for SSI eligibility determinations for children in out-of-home care was explained as an increase caused by a protest, a reissued RFP, and more children entering care; the committee approved it after discussion of the protest and scoring details. The committee also approved a Transportation Cabinet amendment for an I-71 widening and interchange project in Oldham County after staff explained it was a time extension with no additional funds, though the project had evolved due to traffic changes and now includes an eight-lane bridge design. Finally, the committee discussed two Finance Cabinet facilities and support services amendments tied to the Capitol renovation and juvenile justice facility retrofits. Staff said the Capitol project contract covered the full design team, with completion projected around 2029, while the juvenile justice amendments covered additional design work for McCracken and Breathitt facilities, with final bid documents expected in June or July and construction anticipated to begin in the latter half of 2025. Both items were approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've had about SSIS, but Maxis is the main engine. It's more than 40 years old.
• c><01:11:07.760> we've<01:11:07.960> had<01:11:08.199> about<01:11:08.600> ssis
• <01:11:09.600> but an example we've had about ssis but an example we've had about ssis but
• We've had about SSIS, but MAXIS is the main engine. It's more than 40 years old.

Bills: HF1, HF98

Keywords: Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices, government transparency, accountability, law enforcement referrals, sanctions, debarment, payment withholding, public assistance fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• we convened a facilitated working group to tackle the new challenge: how to properly handle federal SSI
• Um we are similar requirements to SSI.
• Representative Gilchrist continued: “The bill focuses specifically on SSI disability benefits, monthly
• If a child is receiving SSI benefits, counties must document and report how those funds are used.
• If a child is receiving SSI benefits, counties must document and report how those funds are used.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal from April 23, and then moved through announcements and recognitions before taking up third-reading business. Members recognized a guest connected to the Mason Museum and Learning Center in Aurora, honored the family of a bicyclist killed in a 2021 hit-and-run, and heard reminders about open enrollment and an upcoming Auctioneer Day fundraiser for nonpartisan staff. The chamber also welcomed guests from Concerned Women for America and celebrated a pair of birthdays with the capital choir. On legislation, Senate Bill 95, concerning measures to support victim survivors of certain crimes without changing substantive criminal offenses, passed third reading 58-0 with five excused. House Bill 1132, which would increase pollinator habitats through conservation of native plant materials on state lands, passed 43-18 with four excused. House Bill 1130, requiring baby diaper changing stations in public restrooms, drew extensive debate: supporters said it would improve accessibility for parents and that small businesses were exempted or given flexibility, while opponents argued it was an unfunded mandate that would burden small businesses, raise installation and liability costs, and create safety and maintenance concerns. The bill ultimately passed 35-28 with two excused. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 136, requiring reporting of missing livestock to the Department of Agriculture, by a vote of 63-0 with two excused, and House Bill 1287, continuing certain Division of Real Estate regulatory functions under the sunset process, by a vote of 49-14 with two excused. Senate Bill 43 was laid over until Monday. At the end of the excerpt, the House began receiving committee reports from Appropriations, listing several bills recommended for referral onward.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the last one is a unique initiative, and that is around preserving Survivor and SSI... foster care
• with you about this, uh, to not spring it on you at the meeting, and uh, the topic of survivor and SSI
• with you about this, uh, to not spring it on you at the meeting, and uh, the topic of survivor and SSI
• with you about this, uh, to not spring it on you at the meeting, and uh, the topic of survivor and SSI
• The topic of survivor and SSI benefits for foster kids is an important issue, first and foremost.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He's been involved in some of the SSIS work, so he'll be able to answer. >> Mr.
• Thank you for the support for starting the replacement of the SSIS system.
• He's been involved in some of the SSIS work, so he'll be able to answer. >> Mr.
• Thank you for the support for starting the replacement of the SSIS system.
• Thank you for the support for starting the replacement of the SSIS system.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:02:56.079> to<02:02:56.719> patients<02:02:57.040> on<02:02:57.239> SSI
• to give discounts to patients on SSI to give discounts to patients on SSI SSDI<02:02:58.480>
• administrator, in having reduced fees for categorically financially disadvantaged people—Medicaid recipients, SSI
• disadvantaged uh people um uh<02:10:15.880> Medicaid<02:10:16.280> recipients<02:10:16.840> SSI
• <02:10:17.360> recipients uh Medicaid recipients SSI recipients uh Medicaid recipients SSI

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• other people who have disabilities, it provides them with a little extra money to supplement their SSI
• Maybe they're making four or five dollars an hour to supplement their SSI, but if they want to choose
• 01:01:53.119> to<01:01:53.359> supplement<01:01:53.760> their<01:01:54.079> SSI
• , dollars an hour to supplement their SSI, dollars an hour to supplement their SSI, but<01:01:56.319

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 1012, house, all