Transcript Highlights:

• This is to start in October of 2028 and will require adults to pay cost sharing up to $35.
• Utility amounts they pay, which is very error-prone and burdensome for them.
• With HR1, they changed that to will pay 75%, and the federal government will pay 25%.
• Will pay 25%. So that is an increase to the state budget of over $65 million per year.
• Then also what we pay in fiscal year 29.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a work session to review how H.R. 1 (the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) could affect Washington’s Medicaid, long-term care, developmental disabilities, and food assistance programs, with a focus on implementation challenges, fiscal impacts, and likely coverage losses. Staff and agency officials explained Washington’s Medicaid financing structure, eligibility categories, caseload trends, and the role of the Health Care Authority and DSHS in administering Apple Health and related services. They also described how Medicaid expansion increased access to behavioral health services and how H.R. 1’s provisions are expected to affect the expansion population most directly. Health Care Authority and DSHS officials outlined several major H.R. 1 changes: new work and community engagement requirements for the Medicaid expansion population, six-month redeterminations instead of annual renewals, changes to immigrant eligibility, limits on provider taxes and state-directed payments, new cost-sharing requirements, reduced retroactive coverage, and changes affecting long-term care eligibility. They said Washington is still awaiting federal guidance on many details, but estimated that about 620,000 Apple Health expansion enrollees could be subject to work requirements, that roughly 30,000 immigrants could lose Medicaid eligibility under the new definition of qualified alien, and that some long-term care and developmental disability clients could be indirectly affected. Officials also said the state is working with other agencies to build shared verification systems and may seek a delay waiver, though they do not expect broad federal flexibility. The committee also heard that H.R. 1 immediately blocks Medicaid reimbursement for Planned Parenthood services for one year, with the state planning to backfill about $11 million to preserve access. In addition, officials warned that the law could reduce federal Medicaid revenue by billions over time and strain hospitals and emergency rooms as more people become uninsured. They noted that Washington’s rural health transformation grant application is due November 5 and could bring some funding, but not to offset coverage losses. No votes were taken; the session was informational only. The committee then heard a separate presentation on food assistance, where staff and DSHS described H.R. 1’s SNAP changes, including expanded work requirements, immigrant eligibility restrictions, higher state administrative costs, and a possible future state share of benefit costs tied to payment error rates. DSHS estimated a four-year fiscal impact of about $750 million for food assistance changes and said the state is working on system and policy changes across agencies before the new requirements take effect.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the undeniable truth is that when hospitals are forced to pay money, they pay attention and they
• This leaves taxpayers paying for negligent care that causes death.
• And we're paying about double of malpractice insurance of what they pay counterparts in Texas.
• We've compared some things, and we're paying about double the malpractice insurance of what they pay
• The scales of justice are held by a woman who's blindfolded.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several health-related bills. SB 398, by Senator Burgess, would create a statewide Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness campaign through the Department of Elder Affairs, focused on early detection, brain health, risk reduction, clinical trial access, and community resources. Supporters said Florida has a large and growing Alzheimer’s population and that the campaign would help families and vulnerable communities; the bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. The committee also adopted an amendment to SB 714, by Senator Burton, which would create non-opioid advanced directives and add liability protections for providers in medical emergencies involving opioids. Supporters framed it as a patient-choice measure, while opponents argued it was vague and could interfere with appropriate pain treatment; the amended bill was then reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 756, which removes the current age-eight diagnosis requirement for autism-related insurance coverage and extends coverage beyond age 18 for those diagnosed with autism. Senator Burton said the bill would help families whose children are diagnosed later or whose needs continue into adulthood. There was brief discussion about existing lifetime benefit caps, but the sponsor said the bill did not change those limits. The committee then took up SB 734, a proposal by Senator Yarbrough to repeal Florida’s wrongful death exception that bars certain parents and adult children from recovering non-economic damages in medical negligence cases. The sponsor and supporters described the current law as discriminatory and unjust, especially for families of older adults and disabled individuals, while opponents warned it would raise malpractice costs, increase premiums, and worsen provider shortages. The bill drew extensive public testimony from both grieving family members and health care/insurance representatives, and members debated whether caps or other safeguards should be added. No final action on SB 734 is reflected in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• the pay of these forensic um examiners. the pay of these forensic um examiners.
• of Human Services pays them considerably more<00:09:01.120> than<00:09:01.360> what<00
• So, we upped the pay for them, courts.
• We need to make sure that we get this process right on an incredibly minuscule scale.
• I went through um a um minuscule scale.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The projects range in scale from $100,000 to $4 million.
• And this is implementation projects that are very large-scale projects.
• So the more waste you generate, the more you pay.
• to pay, by when, how to pay, etc.
• the problem pays.

Summary: The subcommittee heard presentations on the administration’s Proposition 4 spending plans for extreme heat mitigation and outdoor access, then took up SB 54 implementation, SB 707 textile producer responsibility, and recovery needs related to the Los Angeles fires at state parks. For the extreme heat chapter, agencies described funding for the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program, urban greening, urban forestry, fairground upgrades, and technical assistance for community-based climate programs. Witnesses emphasized that these are existing programs with strong demand, that technical assistance is important for reaching disadvantaged and tribal communities, and that the proposed funding would expand outreach and implementation capacity. Members asked for more detail on where funds have gone geographically, examples of successful projects, tree-planting totals, and how fairgrounds could better support fire staging and emergency preparedness. The LAO said the timing of the administration’s proposed funding generally made sense because the programs are already established, and no votes were taken. For outdoor access, State Parks, Fish and Wildlife, and Natural Resources described funding for new parks in underserved communities, deferred maintenance, state lands access, and several new or pending programs. State Parks said the park development program would fund roughly 48 projects and that deferred maintenance funding would address high-priority health, safety, and access needs. Fish and Wildlife said its lands program would improve visitor amenities and access on properties that often lack basic facilities. The Natural Resources Agency also outlined three newer outdoor-access proposals: expanding recreation in disadvantaged communities, enhancing natural resource values and trail access, and a nature/climate/education facilities grant program. The LAO distinguished between existing programs, which are ready to move forward, and the newer proposals, where the Legislature may want more input before funds are allocated. Members also raised concerns about park police vacancies, the need to track outcomes for accessibility investments, and whether Prop. 4 could help with wildfire-related recovery at state parks. CalRecycle then presented on SB 54, the plastics and packaging producer responsibility law, and members pressed hard on the delay in regulations. CalRecycle said it has held workshops, formed an advisory committee, selected the producer responsibility organization, and completed required baseline and covered-material reports, but needs more time to address complex comments and novel features such as source reduction and eco-modulated fees. Members expressed frustration that a statutory deadline was missed and asked for a concrete timeline; CalRecycle said it expects regulations in place by 2026, ahead of the PRO’s January 1, 2027 plan deadline. Finance said the Beverage Container Recycling Fund is currently healthy enough to support short-term loans for implementation. The committee also reviewed SB 707, the textile EPR law, which would create the nation’s first textile producer responsibility program; staff said the proposal would add positions and loan authority, and members noted the statutory deadlines for PRO approval, needs assessment, and later regulations. The hearing ended with discussion of the January Los Angeles fires’ damage to Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park, where State Parks described extensive losses, emergency response work, and ongoing damage assessment. Members asked about FEMA eligibility, state funding sources, and community engagement in rebuilding, and the department said it is still assessing costs and will work with the public on reimagining the parks.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you scale up the amount, the price per gram goes down.
• <00:53:10.240> of<00:53:10.400> these that and that's where the scale of these that
• his ticket and go on with and he can pay his ticket and go on with his<01:54:39.760> life.
• <02:40:21.920> A for failure to pay, things like that.
• A for failure to pay, things like that.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tucson Unified would pay $45,000. Scottsdale Unified, $23,000.
• So, but it's pretty, I think it's pretty insignificant in the whole scale.
• And then whatever money they receive from that lease shall go to paying down the bonds or paying off
• You could, you know, pay down debt.
• This is government tipping the scales. It is control disguised as fairness.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the Air Force when you've never led an organization that approaches. this one at anything like the scale
• might not be involved in this, but it's my understanding that we, with our defense contractors, we pay
• Does that make much sense if we pay for it, if our government pays for it with our taxpayer dollars and
• I challenge you, and I know the department has done serious work on this, to pay attention to that.
• So I hope that's something you'll pay some attention to.

Keywords: Department of Defense, nominations, Matthew Lohmeyer, Justin Overbaugh, global security, military readiness, NATO, Russia, China, defense infrastructure

Summary: The meeting was primarily focused on discussing nominations for key positions within the Department of Defense, specifically for roles such as the Undersecretary of the Air Force and the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security. Senators expressed urgent concerns about global security threats, the need for robust military readiness, and the emphasis on effective collaboration with NATO allies amidst rising tensions with adversaries such as Russia and China. Several senators highlighted the challenges facing military infrastructure and defense capabilities, suggesting a critical need for improvements and investment in these areas to ensure national security.

Transcript Highlights:

• just for the just for the average employee and manufacturing basically equates to about 11 to $12,000 pay
• It's an immediate, significant pay increase for any family manufacturing, pretty much outperforms any
• that requires a lot of confidence because it's typically expensive investment, whether it's a large-scale
• Depending on the scale, the breach and the level of preparedness.
• We can pay the waif forward for a vibrant and resilient manufacturing.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and then we used the state funds to pay and then we used the state funds to pay off<00:14:15.560
• outlining the scale of the need. outlining the scale of the need.
• <00:53:28.200> of<00:53:28.320> the cannot meet the scale of the cannot meet the scale
• <01:50:02.040> He's<01:50:02.160> paying he's stretched thin.
• He's paying he's stretched thin.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And would higher pay help, as we've seen in the studies year after year, that we should be paying...
• more and maybe have a cut to their pay so that bartenders don't have to pay taxes?
• I prefer that we all pay evenly and we all pay our fair share. I don't think so.
• I prefer that we all pay evenly and we all pay our fair share.
• for teachers and less pay for DD care workers and less pay for the people of Arizona to put food and

Bills: HB4154, HB4155, HB4156, HB4157, HB4158, HB4159, HB4160, HB4161, HB4162, HB4163, HB4164, HB4165, HB4166, HB4167, HB4168, HB4169, SB1847, SB1848, SB1849, SB1850, SB1851, SB1852, SB1853, SB1854, SB1855, SB1856, SB1857, SB1858, SB1859, SB1860, SB1861, SB1862

Keywords: general appropriations act, state budget, biennial budget, appropriations, fiscal year 2026, fiscal year 2027, budget bill, spending authority, state spending, agency funding, public funds, executive budget, education funding, health and human services, public safety, transportation funding, legislative appropriations, budget resolution, state finance, government operations

Transcript Highlights:

• So not only did we pay these kids.
• Are you trying to make them pay the new lease rate? Mr.
• , so she pays for the fund side of the house.
• Someday the government's going to pay us. It has to.
• They do not pay their contractors.

Transcript Highlights:

• to pay for this.
• They would pay 85% of that. We would have to match 15%.”
• So now scale that to hundreds or thousands of users.
• A bank, they also pay those examination fees.
• Is that something that the person that our citizens pay, or is that something a facility pays?

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• commercialization adoption and scaling commercialization adoption and scaling for<00:05:20.840><
• raising a few chickens to larger scale raising a few chickens to larger scale producers<00:08:49.920
• <00:12:41.720> to invest and research to bring scale to invest and research to bring scale
• <00:12:56.519> but investment will drive this scaling but investment will drive this scaling
• Our industry needs to scale up in order to thrive.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We strongly support House File 4819, as we believe it is a critical next step in creating a large-scale
• We strongly support House File 4819, as we believe it is a critical next step in creating a large-scale
• We strongly support House File 4819, as we believe it is a critical next step in creating a large-scale
• <00:46:01.040> public<00:46:01.359> infrastructure large-scale public infrastructure large-scale
• He said those are externalized costs that all of us pay to clean up the mess. the Clean Water Fund the

Bills: HF4211, HF3426, HF4819, HF3466, HF3793, HF3339

Keywords: air pollution, lead emissions, continuous emissions monitoring system, CEMS, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, MPCA, environmental monitoring, emission compliance, air quality, public health, industrial pollution, permitted facility, residential exposure, toxic metals, emission limits, pollution control, stack monitoring, real-time emissions monitoring, natural resources, environment

Transcript Highlights:

• They used her retirement to pay off bills, to get loans.
• He didn't pay into Social Security.
• This woman not only did they use her two retirements to pay off their debt, and he went and got them
• The technology is moving on a time scale that is very different than the time scale on which this body
• I don't think we pay as much attention to the potential upside.

Bills: HB2311, HB2371, HB2409, HB2410, HB2456, HB2457, HB4005

Keywords: artificial intelligence, disclosure requirements, data privacy, minor protection, online safety, HB2371, Arizona divorce, family law, dissolution of marriage, AI arbitration, AI-assisted arbitration, automated dispute resolution, online arbitration, binding determination, recommendation, superior court appeal, de novo review, marital dissolution, spousal consent, minor children

Transcript Highlights:

• My husband and I run a small-scale urban farm in Alamogordo. My name is Courtney McCarray-Squire.
• My husband and I run a small-scale urban farm in Alamogordo, as well as manage the Alamogordo farmers
• have, in response to their communities, many other priorities that currently are not funded at the scale
• Some schools have already been paying these rates, so they will be able to pay them out of the money
• because it represents their integral role and importance to each and every school situation, and it pays

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate also proposed to remove the $50,000 appropriation to the Secretary of State to pay the consultant
• recommendations of the redistricting task force to create cooperative education service areas to build scale
• to... ...related to changes to create consistency in tax sales for municipalities that vary, small-scale
• resident, small-scale vacation communities.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Last year Capital Metro, a bus operator was attacked and robbed by just requesting that they pay
• This, the need for this legislation stems from the limitations of punishment for dealing with small scale
• House Bill 5467 will allow law enforcement to charge these small scale dealers with a 3rd degree felony
• Uh, even drug dealers understand the economy and scale that our major retailers engage in every day.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, one possibility I'm envisioning is looking at whether there is a sort of scaled-down version of a
• Um, I'm doing more listening than talking, but it seems to me that, uh, we have a scaling issue here
• But if it was just, oh, we wanted to give it a bath, we wouldn't pay for that.
• But if it was just, oh, we wanted to give it a bath, we wouldn't pay for that.
• But if it was just, oh, we wanted to give it a bath, we wouldn't pay for that.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a work session on HB 505, which would allow the sale of freeze-dried foods produced in homestead food operations. Members raised concerns about the bill’s broad language, especially the provision stating freeze-dried food would not be considered potentially hazardous. Several suggested narrowing the bill to specific products such as processed foods, berries, fruit, dairy products, ice cream, or vegetables, and requiring use of commercial freeze-drying equipment rather than dehydrators. There was also discussion of oxygen absorbers, moisture control, sanitation, and whether the issue should be handled in statute or rules. By the end of the discussion, members generally agreed the topic should be treated in a separate section of law rather than folded into the existing homestead food license, and the chair said the matter would be sent to the food safety subcommittee, with the possibility of a study committee if more time was needed. The committee then moved to HB 277, a technical correction to the animal cruelty statutes. Representative Bixby explained that current law refers to a “colt,” which applies only to male baby horses, leaving fillies unaddressed; the bill would replace “colt” with “foal” and make related wording changes so the restriction applies to any horse under 90 days old not being nursed by its dam. The New Hampshire Farm Bureau testified in support, saying the change was requested to clarify and modernize the statute and that the issue had been identified during work on related animal cruelty legislation. No votes were taken in the portion provided. The chair recessed the work session until 11:00 a.m. and announced that Representative Ktoa would take over the hearing on HB 277.

Transcript Highlights:

• state agencies and law enforcement, and ensure prosecutors have the tools to pursue complex, large-scale
• state agencies and law enforcement, and ensure prosecutors have the tools to pursue complex, large-scale
• state agencies and law enforcement, and ensure prosecutors have the tools to pursue complex, large-scale
• state agencies and law enforcement, and ensure prosecutors have the tools to pursue complex, large-scale
• the bill, some business state's paying the bill, some business is<00:14:09.600> providing<00:

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.