Video & Transcript Research : 'behavior intervention'
Page 75 of 369
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- So, please refrain from using profanity or uncivil behavior.
- from using profanity or >> please refrain from using profanity or univil<00:13:40.000>
behavior - If so, we'll have univil behavior.
- <00:51:22.880>
Say <00:51:23.119>you're opportunity for intervention. - Say you're opportunity for intervention.
Bills:
HB1881, HB2218, HB1956, HB2151, HB1845, HB1844, HB2103, HB2424, HB1650, HB376, HB2599, HB1861
Keywords:
land use, ropeway, transportation, state regulation, government exemption, DLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, public lands, public trust resources, community co-management, co-management agreement, community-based organization, Native Hawaiian, malama aina, ahupuaa, subsistence, cultural resources, religious practices
Summary:
The committee on Water and Land met on February 10, 2026, with Chair Mark Hashem outlining strict testimony rules and noting a time constraint because of later hearings and floor session obligations. The committee then took up several bills, hearing mostly supportive testimony on HB 1881 relating to land use, HB 2218 relating to DLNR/community management, and HB 1956 relating to freshwater waves, while HB 1845 relating to the Land Use Commission drew legal concerns and opposition. HB 2151 relating to building materials had no substantive testimony presented in the excerpt, and the committee moved through it quickly.
On HB 1881, testimony focused on protecting North Shore lands from overdevelopment. A supporter described the area as valuable precisely because it remains largely undeveloped, and a member asked whether the bill’s restrictions on “finculars” would affect existing or future private residential installations; the response suggested the bill was aimed at future commercial uses and that grandfathering or personal-use exceptions might be possible, but the exact wording would need legal refinement.
HB 2218 received broad support from OHA, DLNR, Kua, Sierra Club, Hui Maka Aana, the Honlay Initiative, and others, who said the measure would expand community-based co-management across DLNR divisions, build on existing park partnerships, and produce real benefits such as better stewardship, safer access, local jobs, and stronger community trust. Members asked about the bill’s five-year review structure, how multiple community groups would be handled, and whether the model could apply to ocean or nearshore areas; DLNR said the board would retain authority, agreements would be non-exclusive and subject to review, and the department was still working through how the approach would function across different divisions and marine settings.
For HB 1956, the Attorney General offered technical comments, urging clearer definitions of “residing” and “freshwater way,” clearer timing for citations and arrests, and more explicit procedural safeguards and agency roles. On HB 1845, the Attorney General and Land Use Commission raised concerns that the bill could conflict with constitutional protections for important agricultural lands and could not be reconciled with existing voting requirements; the LUC also said commissioners cannot vote by proxy under sunshine law and warned that the bill could allow too few commissioners to approve major boundary changes. Members questioned how the bill would work in counties without designated important agricultural lands, and the LUC explained that Kauai is the only county to have completed the IAL process, while the broader statutory process remains county-driven and has been the subject of litigation. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services Oversight Committee (01/23/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- So, it was like a full cascade<00:55:11.680>
of <00:55:11.920>interventions <00:55:12.640 - >
the <00:55:12.880>state <00:55:13.040>of cascade of interventions the state of - cascade of interventions the state of New<00:55:13.359>
Hampshire <00:55:13.680>was <00 - You've been seeing an expansion across the country of certified community behavioral health centers.
- So this is behavioral health centers.
Summary:
The committee met on January 23, 2026, to approve prior minutes and receive an update from the Department of Health and Human Services. The main presentation focused on “Project Compass,” an internal cross-department effort to prepare for changes to Medicaid and SNAP eligibility. Department staff said the goal is to maintain continuous coverage for eligible people, align policy, operations, communications, legal, finance, and eligibility work, and use the new integrated New HEIGHTS system to streamline implementation. They emphasized outreach to beneficiaries, providers, managed care organizations, and other partners, and said temporary manual workarounds had already been used to stay in compliance with fast-moving SNAP changes.
Members questioned how the department would avoid repeating the costly outreach effort used in a prior Medicaid work-requirement rollout. Department officials said they are focusing on ex parte processes, sharing eligibility information across programs, and using community partners to reduce duplicate contacts and paperwork. They also said the department is monitoring the SNAP error rate closely, expects automation and a planned system contract amendment to help reduce it, and noted that current error rates are trending downward and remain below the national average. Questions were also raised about possible future SNAP restrictions on certain foods; the department said it can implement whatever the legislature directs, but that defining and administering such restrictions would be complex.
The commissioner and CFO then outlined the department’s budget reduction plan. They said the department has begun implementing required “back of the budget” reductions for fiscal year 2026, using contract savings and not cutting existing services where possible. Examples included dental and home-visitation contracts, where spending was adjusted based on utilization and projected need. Officials said they had already written down a little over $15 million in prior-year encumbrances, but that this one-time source will not be available next year, making fiscal year 2027 more difficult. They also explained the difference between legally required back-of-budget cuts and lapse, and said staffing remains a major challenge because vacancies have increased and customer-facing service levels are strained.
Dr. Jonathan Ballard then began an update on opioid overdose fatalities, presenting the latest medical examiner data and describing the long-term rise in deaths after fentanyl entered the illicit drug supply, with a peak in 2017 and a later increase in 2022. The transcript cuts off before his full presentation and any further committee action beyond discussion of the minutes and receipt of the department updates.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 2/27/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- variety of reasons, this process has not been successfully completed in over 50 years without intervention
- <00:35:32.440>
team <00:35:33.000>when <00:35:33.160>a intervent intervention - team when a intervent intervention team when a student<00:35:33.560>
has <00:35:33.680>lost - there were days that I thought about certain students of mine, and they weren't high academic or behavior
- needs but I had days where I behavior needs but I had days where I wondered<00:37:23.240>
if <
Keywords:
redistricting, Bipartisan Commission, Minnesota Constitution, census, legislative districts, HF412, Minnesota legislature, education committee, K-12 education, school observation, teacher observation, administrator observation, legislative transparency, legislator accountability, House rules, Senate rules, Legislative Reference Library, public reporting, education finance, education policy
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, that warrants their behavior is what would trigger that. You got me in the ballpark now.
- The process requires a petition demonstrating a pattern of behavior indicating significant risk.
- This is about creating a tool for intervention during crisis, not permanent firearms removal.
- <01:47:16.639>
behavior <01:47:17.679>indicating pattern of behavior behavior indicating - pattern of behavior behavior indicating significant<01:47:19.119>
risk.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Nov 5th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll also look into the behavioral health drugs.
- So, behavioral health access to care.
- Behavioral need, service gaps, and disproportionate impact.
- We have 13 behavioral health regions.
- Coming from Las Vegas with the State Behavioral Health Institute, we have many behavioral health initiatives
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- It doesn't come easy, but decreasing chronic absenteeism, decreasing behavior incidences, and reducing
- It doesn't come easy, but decreasing chronic absenteeism, decreasing behavior incidences, and reducing
- in how our kids structural intervention in how our kids learn<00:36:34.720>
and <00:36:34.880> - I am a behavioral interventionist and deal with heartbreaking stories on a daily basis and work hard
- I am a behavioral two weeks.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EDN Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:26:11.279>
that different categories of behavior that different categories of behavior - to really focus on some of the behaviors to really focus on some of the behaviors that<00:35:17.119
- that can better articulate the behavior that can better articulate the behavior that<00:35:28.320
- This is not to excuse um the behavior or not doesn't mean that um the behavior or not doesn't mean that
- behavior escalates into threats, behavior escalates into threats, stalking<01:19:23.520>
or <01
Summary:
The committee on Education heard testimony on HB 1895, which would add education-worker protections by expanding harassment-related offenses. The Department of Education, HSTA, HGA, and several school employees and principals testified in support, describing increased harassment and threats toward teachers and staff, especially since COVID, and saying the bill would help deter bad actors. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, saying the language was vague and overbroad, could criminalize ordinary parental advocacy or speech, and might not survive constitutional scrutiny. In response to questions, the public defender said existing statutes already cover threatening or assaultive conduct against educational workers, while DOE representatives said the bill was aimed at excessive and repetitive disruptive behavior. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.
The committee then took up HB 1592, concerning protections for educational workers and sports officials. DOE, the Charter School Commission, HGA, HSTA, school principals, athletic programs, and many individual testifiers supported the bill, with several describing threats, harassment, and aggressive behavior at schools and athletic events. One principal said he had repeatedly involved law enforcement after threats and incidents on campus, and a teacher testified about the need to keep school environments safe and orderly. The Office of the Public Defender again opposed the bill, arguing that current law already enhances penalties for assaults and terroristic threatening against educational workers and sports officials, and that new offenses would have little deterrent effect. Committee members questioned whether the bill should be a separate statute and how to distinguish passionate advocacy from harassment; DOE said the line was crossed when conduct became excessive and repetitive, while the public defender urged clearer drafting and more emphasis on prevention, education, security, and de-escalation. No vote or final action was announced in the excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/26
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- observed concerning patterns of behavior observed concerning patterns of behavior between<00:05:
- There were opportunities for intervention that did not occur.
- They target predatory behavior, not educators. Thank you. years.
- It misses a critical window for supportive intervention.
- Intervention comes, outcomes can be studied and fine-tuned for optimum safety results.
Keywords:
child care, child care center, day care, licensed child care, video security cameras, surveillance, security cameras, maltreatment, child abuse, child safety, public and shared areas, camera mandate, child care assistance program, CCAP, Great Start Compensation Support, early learning scholarships, licensed provider, Minnesota Statutes 142B.68, Harvey's Law, privacy
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:13:30.320>
Um, <01:13:30.719>investing real-time interventions. - Um, investing real-time interventions.
- ,<01:24:08.560>
child specialty in behavior, child specialty in behavior, child development - We see it in the behavioral shifts.
- We see it in the behavioral shifts.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Law & Justice Dec 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Tisha Kirshbaum, and I serve Washington State as the Division Director of Behavioral Health
- Assisted outpatient treatment is a court-ordered involuntary outpatient behavioral health treatment for
- In Washington State, the Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organizations, BHAASOs, administer
- The BHAs, the behavioral health agencies, and the courts all play an equal and yet unique role that requires
- AOT brings stability to the lives of people suffering from severe behavioral health problems and has
Summary:
The committee received agency updates on several behavioral health and justice programs. The Health Care Authority reported that assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) has expanded from two counties to eight, with a ninth expected in December, and described AOT as a court-ordered, least-restrictive treatment model that depends on close coordination among courts, treatment providers, and local officials. The agency also reviewed Joel’s Law, which lets family members, guardians, conservators, or tribes petition for an initial involuntary detention when they disagree with a designated crisis responder’s decision. Judges Ferreira and Larson said petition use has increased significantly statewide and in Snohomish County, but many cases do not proceed beyond the initial detention stage; they also noted family frustration, disjointed processes, and bed shortages as ongoing issues. Committee members asked about expansion criteria, the law’s effectiveness, and how the system fits together with other mental health interventions.
The Attorney General’s Office presented on the hate crimes and bias incidents hotline created by SB 5427. The hotline began a pilot in King, Clark, and Spokane counties on July 1, 2025, with a statewide launch planned for 2027. Officials said the advisory committee helped shape the referral process, intake questions, outreach materials, and public branding. In the first five months, the hotline received 301 reports, with roughly 45% from King County and about 38% from outside the pilot counties; 42% requested follow-up, and only about a quarter of those wanted law enforcement referral. Testimony emphasized that the hotline is non-emergency, anonymous if desired, and focused on referrals rather than investigation. Members asked about why callers do not seek law enforcement involvement, how the hotline compares with Oregon’s launch, and what kinds of incidents are being reported.
The Office of Independent Investigations reported progress on its work investigating police deadly force fatalities. Director Roger Rogoff said the agency has grown to 66 employees, including 31 investigators, and has completed six fatality investigations, with two public final reports posted. He said the office now operates in Region 1 and plans to expand statewide as staffing allows, with a future east-side expansion dependent on additional investigators. He also said the office has 29 requests to review prior cases, but those reviews are time-intensive and limited to cases with new evidence. Committee members asked about staffing needs, local cooperation, and whether the office conducts parallel investigations; Rogoff said OII performs the criminal investigation, while agencies may still do administrative reviews.
The committee then heard a lengthy panel on public defense caseload standards and funding. The Washington State Bar Association, Washington Defender Association, county representatives, and city representatives all discussed the new caseload standards and the implementation timeline. Speakers said the standards reflect modern public defense realities but warned that funding, attorney recruitment and retention, office space, and data collection remain major barriers. Survey results from county offices showed wide variation in readiness, with many counties uncertain about timelines and most citing lack of funding as the biggest obstacle; attorney attrition was also described as high. County and city representatives argued that the new standards will require far more attorneys and support staff, and that local governments cannot absorb the cost without substantial state funding. They urged the Legislature to increase state support, improve workforce pipelines, and address structural issues in the public defense system.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- of drug or alcoh alcoholfueled behavior. of drug or alcoh alcoholfueled behavior.
- that<01:37:47.199>
we extremely dangerous behavior that we extremely dangerous behavior that - It was terrifying to her behavior.
- criminal behavior. criminal behavior.
- Uh, in the remain of good behavior.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appr/Sub-Health and Human Services Jan 29th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Transcript Highlights:
- decided that she had something more important, we're going to go over to you hat and toward the new behavioral
- That's the state's behavioral health match for Medicaid. OK?
- experiences where Oklahoma improved to thirtyninth These positive trends indicate that targeted interventions
- And besides Senator Hicks, we're gonna go visit the new behavioral health center that they have that
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 9, 2025 - 09:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Several programs already see significant portions of inquiries resolve without human intervention.
- We are a financial automation system primarily in the behavior, health space, mostly autism.
- Again, pediatric within the space of a behavioral health recently because of the large data pull that
- That will drive natural behavior of adoption by consumers and being able to actually then have a as opposed
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 27, 2026 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- concerned around lines 101 and 102 that currently remove what allows you to seek outpatient crisis intervention
- 101 102 THAT CURRENTLY REMOVE WHAT ALLOWS YOU 365 TO SEEK OUTPATIENT CRISIS INTERVENTION
- DOING IT AND NOW WE WANT TO GET PARENTS 1028 INVOLVED SO NOW MAYBE WE CAN CHANGE BEHAVIOR
- So because I want my parental rights and I can be the parent to change the behavior or be that companion
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 245, which would replace references in Florida law to “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material.” The sponsor said the change was overdue and more accurately reflects the criminal nature of the material. There was brief supportive public testimony, no debate, and the bill was reported favorably on a unanimous vote.
The committee then took up HB 237 on the use of professional nursing titles. The sponsor said advanced practice registered nurses should be able to use earned academic titles such as DNP or PhD. Supporters testified in favor, there was no opposition or debate, and the bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably.
The longest discussion centered on HB 173, which would expand parental consent and access requirements for minors’ medical care, medical records, certain school surveys, and biomedical devices. Supporters argued it restores parental rights and keeps parents involved in children’s health decisions, while opponents—many from medical, mental health, LGBTQ, and youth advocacy groups—warned it could block access to STI treatment, mental health care, crisis hotlines, and confidential services for vulnerable youth, including those in abusive homes. After extensive testimony and debate, the bill was reported favorably on a 19-7 vote.
Finally, the committee began HB 327 on uterine fibroid research. The sponsor explained the bill would require health care providers to submit identified data so the Department of Health can build a usable de-identified research database, after prior implementation problems with duplicate or unverified data. A supportive local official testified, and members indicated support as the meeting moved toward a vote.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Apr 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We will not accept disruptive behavior or behavior that incites or threatens violence.
- naturally, but the lowest-cost plans are still out of reach for many Californians without government intervention
- essential services like shelter beds, mental health treatment, street outreach, and other life-saving interventions
Summary:
The committee first heard AB 470, which would change California’s carrier-of-last-resort rules and allow a phased transition away from copper landlines in areas deemed well served by alternative phone options. The author and AT&T argued the bill would protect consumers, preserve 911 access, require public notice and CPUC review, and direct investment toward modern fiber and emergency communications. Supporters included a wide range of business, civic, tribal, and community groups, while opponents from TURN, rural counties, labor, digital equity organizations, and local governments warned the bill could let AT&T shed service obligations too quickly, weaken protections for rural and underserved households, and harm workers. After extensive member discussion about CPUC authority, rural carveouts, labor impacts, and reinvestment, AB 470 was passed do pass as amended to Appropriations, with one no vote and one not voting, and the roll left open.
The committee then took up AB 1532, a committee omnibus bill extending funding and surcharge authority for the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program and the TNC Access for All program, while also adding CPUC accountability provisions. Chair Boerner Horvath explained the bill would not raise consumer costs and would require the CPUC to appear at hearings when requested and adopt rules for commissioner attendance. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill was moved do pass and re-refer to Utilities and Energy, though the roll was left open because it had not yet reached the threshold for immediate transmission.
Finally, the committee heard AB 353, the Affordable Home Internet Act of 2025, which would establish an affordability floor for home broadband for low-income Californians after the expiration of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program. Supporters said broadband costs remain too high and that families, students, and vulnerable communities need a state solution now; opponents from the wireless industry and rural county representatives argued the bill would amount to an artificial price mandate and could complicate existing rural broadband buildouts. Members generally supported the goal but raised concerns about impacts on small ISPs and rural areas, and the bill was moved forward with a motion and second while discussion continued about possible exemptions and amendments.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- where those family members or that child's guardian ad litem could go and ask for almost immediate intervention
- than at the end of many months or at the end. of the provision of services, this will allow for intervention
- agencies to utilize alternative methods to resolve conflicts or improve employee performance or behavior
- like UNM's Milagro program, which provides integrated prenatal care, substance use treatment, and behavioral
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits Oct 8th, 2025
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits
Transcript Highlights:
- CARES programs include different types of interventions, such as mobile integrated health, community
- social worker would help with concerns like housing or food insecurity, substance use disorder, or behavioral
- impacting avoidable jail detentions and helping the criminal justice system by diverting folks with behavioral
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee’s Initiative 900 subcommittee held a hybrid public hearing on two State Auditor performance audits. The first audit examined efforts to reduce non-emergency use of emergency systems through CARES programs. Auditors reported that Washington has 52 fire-agency-led CARES programs in 26 counties, but many communities without programs said they need one. Major barriers included unstable funding, difficulty hiring qualified staff, volunteer-based rural departments, and lack of statewide guidance. The audit also found that only about half of programs tracked both required performance measures, and it recommended that the legislature consider private insurance reimbursement options and convene a statewide work group to develop guidance, standards, and possible changes to the role of the Department of Health. Agency representatives and fire officials largely supported the findings and emphasized that short-term grants and one-year contracts make programs hard to sustain.
Committee discussion focused heavily on financing, especially Medicaid reimbursement and accountable communities of health (ACHs). Auditors clarified that the 10% figure cited in the report referred to direct Medicaid reimbursement for treat-and-refer services, which some agencies do not pursue because the $115 rate is too low relative to the administrative effort. Several fire officials testified that their programs rely on grants and ACH support, but that funding is often year-to-year and uncertain. They also described the value of CARES programs in reducing emergency room use, jail detentions, and long ambulance wait times, while noting barriers to sharing patient records across systems. Members asked whether the new public safety sales tax authority could help, but fire district representatives said it is not a direct funding option for them.
The second audit reviewed performance management in the Department of Commerce’s Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness. Auditors found that the division does not yet have a statewide economic development strategic plan and that performance management is inconsistent across its 16 programs. In a limited review, all six sampled programs had goals, but only half clearly identified performance measures and targets, and only three tracked outcomes and published results. The audit highlighted leading practices from other states, including strategic planning, regular progress reporting, aligning program goals with agency goals, and using performance-based contracts and grant monitoring. Recommendations urged Commerce to seek stakeholder input, assess internal and external conditions, set goals and measures, align programs with the strategy, and strengthen monitoring and evaluation.
Commerce officials agreed with the audit and said the division is already working toward a strategic plan, with a new assistant director to be hired and a target of completing the work by mid-next year. Members pressed the department on how the plan would connect to workforce, higher education, housing, and other economic development systems, and asked Commerce to return to JLARC next year with progress updates. The meeting ended with instructions for submitting written public comments and notice of the next JLARC meeting schedule.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 24, 2025 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- So under this law, would it allow a nurse anesthesiologist to do interventional pain management like
- And type 1 diabetes is not tied to lifestyle or behavioral choices.
- And type 1 diabetes is not tied to lifestyle or behavioral choices.
Summary:
The Health and Human Services Committee heard a lengthy agenda of health care and public health bills. The first major item was HB 649, which would remove the paper supervision protocol for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and allow autonomous practice. The sponsor and supporters argued it would improve access, especially in rural areas, address workforce shortages, and reduce costs, while opponents from the medical community raised patient safety concerns and argued it would weaken physician oversight. After extensive testimony and debate, the committee reported the bill favorably by a vote of 18-7.
The committee then unanimously advanced several other measures. HB 259, creating a special observance for fentanyl awareness and education, passed 23-0. HB 791, which codifies infant safety devices as an option for surrendering newborns and amends safe-haven law, passed as amended 25-0. HB 355, allowing schools to use FDA-approved emergency opioid antagonists rather than only naloxone, passed 26-0. HB 1119, requiring hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric readiness policies, training, coordination, and assessment requirements, also passed 26-0 after two amendments. HB 431, changing the date for level-two background screening of athletic coaches to July 1, 2026, passed 26-0.
Later, the committee approved CS for HB 907, the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases or “Sunshine Genetics Act,” which would establish an opt-in newborn genome sequencing program at FSU and a statewide consortium for rare disease research; supporters emphasized earlier diagnosis and cost savings, and the bill passed 25-0. CS for HB 519, aligning state law with federal law on controlled substances for paramedics, passed 25-0. Finally, CS for HB 723, requiring the Department of Health to provide early-detection materials for type 1 diabetes to families of young schoolchildren, passed as amended 26-0. The meeting adjourned after all bills were reported favorably.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- a behavioral health multipety group that they can only employ a RA peer support.
- <00:13:59.440>
health new addition to a behavioral health new addition to a behavioral health - multipety group of telling a behavioral multipety group of telling a behavioral health<00:14:03.440
- <00:19:50.160>
health what all the other behavioral health what all the other behavioral health - And I think what we behavioral health.
Keywords:
00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call
01:27 - Discussion of 26RS HB 470
29:05 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 470
32:06 - Discussion of 26RS HJR 25
34:49 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HJR 25
37:08 - Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and took up House Bill 470, which was presented as a cleanup and delay measure related to peer support specialists and Medicaid reimbursement. The bill would extend the deadline for registered alcohol and drug peer support specialists to be Medicaid reimbursable, address issues created by delayed regulations under House Bill 505, remove a limit on direct client care hours, and create a work group to examine oversight and possible future board structure for peer professionals. The committee adopted a committee substitute before hearing testimony.
Bill sponsor Rep. Kim Moser and supporting witnesses said the change was needed because implementation problems and regulatory backlogs had created a peer support workforce shortage and confusion across multiple peer categories, including substance use, mental health, re-entry, and gambling peers. Elena Swezy argued the bill would stabilize the workforce, improve oversight, and allow time to develop a more effective credentialing framework. Frank Miller Jr. testified in opposition, arguing the bill lacked a proper enabling statute for Medicaid-related changes and would not be enforceable as written. Sarah Vaughn also raised concerns about the bill’s impact on mental health peer specialists, multispecialty behavioral health groups, and whether separate regulations would be needed for mental health and substance use services.
Committee members questioned the bill’s structure, fiscal impact, training costs, and whether the work group would be appointed or informal. Sponsors responded that the bill does not require providers to hire anyone, only sets registration requirements if they do hire substance-use peer specialists, and said the work group was intended to help develop a more unified oversight model. Several members expressed concern about the complexity of the issue and the short testimony time, while others supported the bill as a way to improve oversight and reduce fraud risk. The committee approved House Bill 470 as amended by the committee substitute, and then adopted a title amendment; the bill passed with favorable expression.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- the orderly conduct of legislative proceedings, and in particular, we will not accept disrupted behavior
- or behavior that incites or threatens violence.
- include or expanded to include screening of signs of abuse, neglect, and mistreatment, a review of behavioral
- emergency reports, an assessment of staff professionalism, positive behavioral support reports, and
- Force-fed medication, psychologically abused, and threatened with cruel punishments for normal healthy behaviors