Transcript Highlights:

• practices from national organizations like the American Heart Association and provides a strong foundation
• The American Heart Association and provides a strong foundation for the schools to build on.
• classes, such as ASVAB Essentials, Skills to Military Success, Military Health and Fitness, Career Foundations
• It’s quite likely that we all agree that it should be possible to change our state’s foundational document
• proponents of this resolution that our Constitution is incredibly important to get right it's our foundational

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum call, then took up House amendments to Senate Bills 2009, 2147, and 2113. On motion, the Senate refused to concur in the House amendments and appointed conference committees for each bill. The chamber then considered several House bills, adopting amendments and passing House Bill 1556, which creates a Children's Cabinet work group to study out-of-home placement and treatment for children with behavioral health issues, and House Bill 1363, which directs development of a customizable cardiac emergency response plan template for schools and athletic events. House Bill 1533, requiring students to complete a half-unit of financial literacy for graduation, also passed after amendment. House Bill 1226, dealing with masks in public places and protest-related identification concerns, passed after the Judiciary Committee removed language about complying with law enforcement requests to unmask.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 4550 by Hayes relating to the permissible uses of school safety allotment under the Foundation school
• HG 4704 by Simmons related public school paid maternal leave policy and allotment under the Foundation
• States and the eligibility of those children for the benefits available to the school fund and the Foundation
• under the Public School Accountability system and the Career and Technology allotment under the Foundation
• AG 4826 by Alan R, the bilingual education allotment under the Foundation School programmer for the Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Make it clear to me if you can how we are trying to help create a foundation... ...this bill that removes
• Make it clear to me if you can how we are trying to help create a foundation for underrepresented students
• . ...how we are trying to help create a foundation for underrepresented students.
• And we started a foundation.
• Seeking funding from the IAIF and develop eligibility criteria for projects that may be funded by the foundation

Summary: The committee took up a series of bills and amendments, reporting several measures favorably. Early in the meeting, CS for CS for SB 344 modernizing the Telecommunications Access System Act was approved without opposition. The committee then adopted amendments and passed CS for SB 714 on non-opioid advanced directives, CS for SB 738 updating child care and early learning provider regulation, CS for SB 756 revising health insurance coverage for individuals with developmental disabilities, and CS for CS for SB 1356 creating a Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU and a newborn genetic testing pilot. Later, the committee also approved CS for SB 1624 on higher education, CS for SB 1626 on child welfare, SB 178 on an agronomic study for emerging crops, SB 1162 on water access facilities and boat ramp parking, CS for CS for SB 958 creating a type 1 diabetes early detection program, CS for CS for SB 1402 expanding dropout retrieval eligibility, SB 774 requiring electronic transmission of certain court orders, SB 1516 creating an international aerospace innovation fund, and SB 994 revising driver education requirements. Most of these bills were reported favorably by roll call votes after brief explanations and, in several cases, amendments. Several measures drew substantive discussion and public testimony. CS for CS for SB 1624 prompted questions about replacing “minority” with “underrepresented,” the role of the Florida Department of Education’s Commission for Independent Education in overseeing private religious postsecondary institutions, and whether the changes could affect access for students at institutions such as FAMU and FIU. CS for CS for SB 1070 on ECGs for student athletes received extensive emotional testimony from parents and advocates describing children lost to sudden cardiac arrest and urging mandatory screenings; the sponsor said the bill would be cost-neutral for districts by encouraging partnerships with screening groups. SB 994 on driver education was discussed as a vehicle to add distracted driving instruction, and the sponsor agreed to work on that issue. SB 774 was presented as a response to a fatal delay in transmitting an ex parte order, with support from clerks and sheriffs. The most extended debate centered on SB 810 on stormwater management systems. The sponsor said the bill, as amended, would narrow annual inspections to infrastructure identified as vulnerable by MS4 entities, but the Florida League of Cities, Florida Association of Counties, and Florida Stormwater Association warned the proposal could impose major costs and duplicate existing MS4 permit requirements. Committee members questioned the fiscal impact, whether the bill would apply to FDOT or other entities, and whether annual inspections were feasible for large and small jurisdictions alike. Despite those concerns, the sponsor and several members emphasized flood prevention and public safety, and the bill remained under discussion with the sponsor indicating continued willingness to work with stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tom Gamachica for the Tax Foundation of Hawaii.
• Tom Gamachica for the Tax Foundation of Hawaii.
• Tom Gamachica for<00:11:11.440> tax<00:11:11.760> foundation<00:11:12.240> of<00
• <00:11:13.440> Uh<00:11:13.680> we<00:11:13.839> will for tax foundation of
• Uh we will for tax foundation of Hawaii.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard House Bill 344 HD1, which would require new buildings to include electric vehicle charger-ready parking stalls. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from the State Energy Office, Department of Accounting and General Services, the Disabilities and Communication Access Board, and others. Members asked about cost and infrastructure impacts; the State Energy Office said the added cost would likely be modest if planned from the start, but that electrical capacity remains a key challenge for expanding EV charging. The chairs proposed two amendments: extending the bill to cover on-grade parking lots and adding language for Level 1 or Level 3 charging when appropriate. After discussion, both committees voted to pass HB 344 HD1 with amendments. In the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee, the chair voted aye, one member voted with reservation, and excused members were noted; the Government Operations committee also passed the measure, with one aye vote and one vote with reservations. The committees also heard House Bill 10001 HD1 SD1, relating to the Maui wildfire settlement trust fund. The Governor’s Office, Attorney General’s Office, Maui County, and the Tax Foundation testified in support. Members questioned Hawaii Electric Industries’ ability to fund its share of the settlement and whether the state should pay first or in tranches. The chair proposed amendments requiring all defendant parties to submit payment plans and proof of ability to pay, and requiring non-state defendants to fund their shares into escrow before the state releases its share. The committee adopted the amendments and passed the bill unanimously by the members present. Later, the committee deferred action on House Bill 229 HD1 until March 20 for clarification on amendments, then passed House Bill 860 HD1 with amendments addressing liability for limited resurfacing of disputed roads, and passed House Bill 1161 HD2 with amendments concerning highway fund use, formula calculations, and EV-related county fees.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Student Veterans of America, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation
• veterans suffering from substance use disorder admitting they need help and showing up is the the foundational
• Meredith Beck, Vice President for Government and Community Engagement at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation
• As many of you know, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation recently commissioned RAND to conduct a new landmark
• The Foundation thanks committee members and their as well as leadership of both parties for their hard

Keywords: veteran services, Secretary Collins, healthcare provisions, contract cancellations, transparency, accountability, committee meeting, legislation

Summary: During this committee meeting, various bills were discussed with a specific focus on veteran services and healthcare provisions. Notably, the cancellation of critical contracts under Secretary Collins sparked significant debate, with representatives emphasizing the adverse impact on veteran care. The meeting featured testimonies from veterans and stakeholders who expressed their concerns regarding the potential fallout of these cancellations, demonstrating the urgency of transparency and accountability in management decisions. Discussions also delved into various legislative proposals aimed at improving services for veterans amidst these challenges.

Transcript Highlights:

• uncertified teachers were in our elementary schools. schools where they are charged with building those foundational
• shutting the back door; they're closing that back door to be able to hire an uncertified. teachers for foundation
• Fine Arts students... set the foundation for our arts and cultural industry, which generated $7.3 billion
• This is an effective way to support that foundational learning, but it's still only funded at up to 0.5
• represent another really important step forward to ensuring all students have access to effective foundational

Bills: HB2, HB2

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• The foundation for hospitals to achieve improved operations and better financial performance includes
• going to go over some data, but I'd first like to thank and acknowledge the California Health Care Foundation
• According to the California Healthcare Foundation report in 2021, the number of licensed independently
• medical education, which includes residency and fellowship programs, also per a California Healthcare Foundation
• Like the Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute and the Sickle Cell Disease Foundation, we appreciate all

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the Foundation school program appropriations fully fund requirements in current law, including approximately
• Oh, actually, I can tell you the Foundation school program, which is the, the school finance formulas
• record, your name is James Quintero, and you are testifying on behalf of the Texas Public Policy Foundation
• Chairman, members, James Quintero, Texas Public Policy Foundation here to articulate a few high-level
• In fact, the foundation is in lockstep with the governor's office.

Transcript Highlights:

• The foundation school program appropriations fully fund requirements in current law, including approximately
• I don't have that full number, actually I can tell you the foundation school program which is.
• record, your name is James Quintero, and you are testifying on behalf of the Texas Public Policy Foundation
• Texas Public Policy Foundation here to articulate a few high-level thoughts on the state of. play with
• In fact, the foundation is in lockstep with the governor's office. I believe that.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• while these recommendations were not comprehensively implemented by the Legislature, they are the foundation
• , slide 11, this is data from a national survey that talks about This is from the Walton Family Foundation
• This would eliminate the mobility component and would actually establish a new foundation.
• changing how we train principals and superintendents is based sort of on some work by the Wallace Foundation
• , and in our audience, if you ever want to check out a copy too, this really gives you the real foundation

Transcript Highlights:

• First, we have Bell County Fiscal Court, on behalf of the Bell County Economic Development Foundation
• , we have Shelby County Fiscal Court, on behalf of the Shelby County Industrial and Development Foundation
• Shelby County industrial<00:30:53.159> and<00:30:53.360> development<00:30:54.200> foundation
• industrial and development foundation industrial and development foundation was<00:30:55.440>

Keywords: 00:13 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:00 Election of Co-Chairs 03:38 Approval of Minutes 04:09 Information Items 05:55 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cab 12:13 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cab 17:48 Ky Infrastructure Authority 28:50 Economic Development - EDF Grants 32:50 Ofc of Financial Mgmt 36:30 SFCC Debt Issues 40:50 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first reorganized by electing new co-chairs for the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee: Senator Fanny Fromom? as Senate co-chair and Representative McPherson as House co-chair, both by acclamation. The committee then approved the minutes from the prior meeting and received quarterly capital project status reports from the Administrative Office of the Courts, Finance and Administration Cabinet, and postsecondary institutions. Those reports noted University of Kentucky equipment purchases, several school districts planning general obligation and revenue bond issues, a notification of non-approval for PR 3567, and Kentucky Community and Technical College System asset preservation projects. Kevin Cardwell of the Finance and Administration Cabinet reported two action items: a $5,100 federal-funded Transportation Cabinet renovation of the Rowan County east and westbound rest areas, and a $1 million federal fund increase for the Capitol City Airport terminal building project, bringing the total federal support to $10 million and reducing the need for restricted funds. The committee also received a no-action report on a $1,363,000 Kentucky State University exterior repairs project funded through the 2024 asset preservation pool. Both action items were approved unanimously after roll call votes. The committee approved four lease renewals presented by Natalie Bronner for Cabinet for Health and Family Services locations in Bell, Lee, and Clay counties, plus a parking lease for the Department of Corrections in Jefferson County. Members asked about lease pricing and were told renewals must remain at existing terms and conditions. The committee then approved a $57,000 Kentucky WATS emergency grant for Wood Creek Water District to cover part of arrears tied to the City of Livingston; members discussed the city’s audit delinquency, possible regional water/sewer solutions, and concerns about rates and private involvement, but the grant was approved. Finally, the committee approved a $1 million line-item water grant to the City of Williamsburg with no action required, three Economic Development Fund grants for Bell, Franklin, and Shelby counties totaling $8 million in state support for site acquisition and infrastructure work, and five SFCC-supported school debt issues for Elizabethtown Independent, Erlanger Independent, Boyd County, Henderson County, and Union County. The school projects included middle school, high school, and vocational school renovations or new construction, and members requested a breakdown of the space funded by the debt. All action items were approved, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is foundational.
• I have a good academic foundation, and my teachers know me personally, and I’m happy whenever...”
• “I have a good academic foundation, and my teachers know me personally and are happy whenever I succeed
• As previously noted, the early years are the foundation of any school program.
• I am the executive director of the Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault, the state-designated

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Businesses that take the time to get dementia training build a more sustainable foundation within their
• foundation within their business<00:34:52.800> by<00:34:53.040> gaining<00:34:53.280><
• Tom Yamamica, Tax Foundation of Hawaii, on Zoom, I believe. >> Aloha.
• Colleen Tamay from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, on behalf of our president, who's in another hearing
• Tax Foundation of Hawaii stands on its submitted written comments.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered several bills focused on economic development, tourism, business climate, and related policy areas. On HB 1943, which would support a DBEDT office in Korea, DBEDT and the Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in support, emphasizing Korea’s importance as a market for investment, trade, and tourism and the value of helping small and midsize Hawaii businesses access Asian markets. A later witness also tied the proposal to broader free-trade and APEC-related goals. The committees heard no opposition on that measure. The committees then heard HB 1612 and HB 1614, both supported by multiple organizations and agencies. Testimony for HB 1612 stressed Hawaii’s weak business climate and the need for policies that improve economic growth and competitiveness; the Hulamua Collaborative cited survey results showing only 19% of respondents viewed Hawaii as a good place to do business. HB 1614 also drew support, with HTC saying its focus is on economic growth. For HB 1968 and HB 1967, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the University of Hawaii, the Chamber of Commerce, and Hulamua Collaborative largely stood on written testimony in support; the hearing notes reported nine supporters and one opponent on HB 1968, and seven supporters with one comment on HB 1967. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on HB 1589, a bill to create dementia training and recognition for businesses. Testifiers included a private citizen sharing a personal family story, the Alzheimer’s Association, and DBEDT. Supporters said the measure would help families affected by dementia, reduce stigma, and make businesses more dementia-friendly. DBEDT said the issue would be better handled by an agency with dementia expertise, while the Alzheimer’s Association said it could provide training at no cost and suggested amendments to shift implementation toward the Executive Office on Aging and to use the term “dementia business champion.” The final major topic was HB 1608, involving a space-related project and financing. Phoenix Space testified that the bill would help launch responsive space access operations at Hilo International Airport, create local jobs, and support partnerships with Hawaii institutions, while another supporter said the project could diversify the economy. A committee member raised a timing concern, noting bond cap capacity was already allocated through 2028, and the witness said they were willing to work on a solution. The hearing also included HB 1850 on capital gains taxation, where supporters argued the bill would make the tax system fairer by increasing taxes on investment income, while the Chamber of Commerce opposed it. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are foundations for student success.
• They are foundations for student success.
• That same collaborative spirit has guided our student leadership, alumni, and foundation boards, which
• That same collaborative spirit has guided our student leadership, alumni, and foundation boards, which
• The foundational aim is to address the three universities' financial challenges and ensure financial

Summary: The joint Assembly Higher Education and Budget Subcommittee hearing focused on the future of the California State University system, with opening remarks emphasizing CSU’s major role in California’s economy, workforce, and degree production. Chairs and members said the hearing was intended to inform 2026 budget decisions and to examine three main issues: declining enrollment at some campuses, cost controls and possible consolidation, and oversight of recent state investments at campuses such as Humboldt and Sonoma. The meeting was briefly delayed by microphone and sound problems before reconvening. The first panel featured CSU Academic Senate Chair Dr. Elizabeth Boyd and Cal State Student Association Vice President Katie Karam. Boyd urged the Legislature to protect academic freedom, strengthen faculty governance, provide stable ongoing funding, end unfunded mandates, support student food and housing security, fund flexible course schedules, improve transfer systems such as ASSIST, avoid over-centralizing academic programs, protect immigrant students, and expand intersegmental collaboration. Karam said students are feeling the effects of budget shortfalls through fewer course sections, reduced advising and services, longer time to degree, and tuition pressure, and she called for transparency, meaningful student involvement in budget decisions, and sustained state investment rather than cuts that harm the student experience. The second panel covered enrollment management and included CSU Chancellor’s Office and campus administrators from Chico State, Cal State L.A., and San Diego State. Dr. Delcy Perez said CSU Forward and the new systemwide enrollment plan are aimed at expanding access, aligning programs with workforce needs, and increasing resident enrollment; she reported systemwide enrollment gains and strong application numbers, including a direct-admissions pilot that expanded from Riverside to more campuses. Campus representatives described local recruitment and retention strategies, including early outreach to high school students, community college partnerships, guaranteed admission programs, and expanded advising and student support. San Diego State highlighted record enrollment and high demand, while Cal State L.A. described efforts to recover from impaction and rebuild enrollment. Members pressed CSU officials on the accuracy of enrollment data, the gap between funded targets and actual enrollment, and the system’s reallocation formula. CSU staff explained that campuses below target will see a 5% ongoing reallocation beginning in 2026-27, with one-time reserve funding also being directed to campuses that can grow, and that fiscal health reviews have been completed for 21 of 22 campuses. Legislators also asked about turnaround plans required by the budget act; CSU said those plans are being developed and will be shared in the spring after campus consultation. No formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and Members, Elise Berth on behalf of the California Community Foundation in support.
• My name is Omar Ahmed, pediatrician in Elk Grove and the chair of Mass Social Services Foundation, and
• Socialists of America San Francisco Chapter, Democrats for Palestinian Rights Bay Area, Dolores Huerta Foundation
• I'm going to focus my area of inquiry in two pretty foundational areas for me.
• Elise Forth, on behalf of the California Community Foundation, in support.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee held an informational hearing on AB 715, followed by discussion of SB 48. AB 715 was presented by Assembly Members Zbur and Addis as a response to rising anti-Semitism in California schools. They described incidents involving harassment, swastikas, biased classroom materials, and students feeling unsafe, and said the bill would create an Office of Civil Rights with coordinators to address anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination, provide prevention resources, and support school districts. Witnesses in support, including a rabbi and a student who described personal experiences with anti-Semitic harassment, urged immediate action to protect Jewish students. Opposition testimony came from the California Teachers Association, county superintendents, school board groups, labor organizations, civil liberties advocates, ethnic studies educators, and many community members. Their main concerns were that the bill was rushed, had not been fully vetted in the Assembly Education Committee, and could chill classroom speech or create constitutional problems, especially around language requiring instruction and materials to be “factually accurate” and not based on advocacy, bias, or partisanship. Several opponents argued that anti-Semitism should be addressed through education, training, and restorative practices rather than new statutory restrictions. Some witnesses also raised concerns about the bill’s impact on ethnic studies and free speech. Committee members then debated the bill’s process and substance at length. The authors said the bill had been narrowed through negotiations with education stakeholders and the Senate, that some disputed provisions would be revisited in cleanup language, and that the urgency of anti-Semitic incidents required action now. Several members expressed support for the bill’s goal but criticized the late release of the final language and the lack of consultation with the Assembly committee. Others emphasized the need to protect Jewish students immediately and argued the bill was a necessary response to a real crisis. The transcript does not show a final vote on AB 715 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of the reason that happened is because the vote to special assess to fix those foundation issues
• I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
• I'm Walter Moreau, the director of Foundation Communities. We're signed up opposed to the bill.
• Data is the foundation of my research, mentorships, and lectures at UT LBJ.
• Data is the foundation of my research, mentorships, and lectures at UT LBJ.

Bills: SB434, SB844, SB898, SB1177, SB1214, SB1454, SB1920, SB1927, SB1935, SB1965, SB2010, SB2046, SB2068, SB2073, SB2183, SB2260, SB3034, SB907

Keywords: SB 434, Harris County Hospital District, hospital district police, peace officers, commissioned officers, law enforcement authority, Health and Safety Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, public safety, hospital security, county hospital district, local government, Texas criminal procedure, district police, armed security, SB 898, low income housing tax credits, LIHTC, affordable housing, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs

Summary: The committee heard several bills dealing with local government authority, homeowners associations, hospital district policing, school AED inspections, special district annexation, public contracting penalties, and guaranteed income programs. Senate Bill 2073 by Sen. Zaffirini would clarify that appraisal districts may finance purchases, leases, or construction of real property for appraisal offices without prior approval from taxing units; it was supported by the Texas Association of Appraisal Districts and left pending. Senate Bill 1935 by Sen. Hinojosa would increase homeowner control of property owners association boards, require more transparency, limit fines and assessment increases, and require accessible meeting locations; HOA and builder representatives opposed it, arguing it would hinder maintenance and make dues harder to manage, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 434 by Sen. Miles would authorize Harris County Hospital District police officers, was supported by Harris Health, and was left pending. Senate Bill 1177 by Sen. Alvarado, as substituted, would require school AED inspections during fire inspections and reporting to school leadership; it was left pending. Senate Bill 1214 by Sen. Perry would update Concho County Hospital District law to align with current procurement and notice rules; it was left pending. Senate Bill 1965 by Sen. Middleton, for Sen. King, would tighten notice and proximity rules for special district annexations; district witnesses warned the bill could interfere with service to noncontiguous tracts, and the bill was left pending. The committee also took up Senate Bill 2046 by Sen. Bettencourt, which would increase criminal penalties for county purchasing act violations involving unauthorized separate or sequential purchases to evade competitive bidding, and create a tiered penalty structure based on contract amount. Former Harris County DA Kim Ogg, Deputy Attorney General Josh Reno, and James Quintero supported the bill, citing recent Harris County bid-rigging cases and arguing the current Class C misdemeanor penalty is too weak to deter misconduct; some members questioned whether the proposed thresholds were too low and whether stronger oversight, rather than higher penalties alone, would be more effective. The bill was left pending. Finally, Senate Bill 2010 by Sen. Bettencourt would bar counties and other political subdivisions from operating guaranteed income programs and address constitutional gift-clause concerns. Testimony split sharply: Ogg and Quintero argued such programs are unconstitutional, can be used for political data collection, and should not be funded with public money, while Paige Terry Barry defended the bill as protecting taxpayers and discouraging dependency. Senators also debated whether the state can restrict use of federal grant funds and whether local governments should be allowed to run such programs; the bill was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• TDI has a strong foundation, and I look forward to building on that work by strengthening our insurance
• With that foundation, let's look at what this division regulates and what falls outside of its authority
• Yes, the Infusion Access Foundation. Okay, foundation. Okay, thank you for being here.
• Oh, you were with the Texas Public Policy Foundation. I read something you wrote this morning.
• So I'm the Health Care Policy Director at Texas Public Policy Foundation.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• educators, we depend on tax revenues to fund our needs in the classroom, but we also create the foundation
• I think a bill like this, particularly one that is already using the foundation of what we've laid about
• I think a bill like this, particularly one that is already using the foundation of what we've laid about
• of what we've laid about 2 foundation of what we've laid about 2 years<01:07:22.280> ago<01:07
• of what the building on the foundation of what the federal<01:07:26.440> government<01:07:26.840

Bills: HF4621, HF4123, HF4616, HF1183

Keywords: child tax credit, financial assistance, low-income families, state revenue, tax policy, net investment income, taxation, business income, self-employment, tax increase, wealth tax, fairness, public services, high-income earners, economic equity, Internal Revenue Code, employee classification, federal law, Minnesota statutes, 1183

Transcript Highlights:

• of the contract, which serves as a foundation for mitigating risk and proper oversight.
• of the contract serves as the foundation of the contract which<01:11:53.679> serves<01:11:54.000
• > as<01:11:54.159> a<01:11:54.400> foundation<01:11:55.199> for which serves
• as a foundation for which serves as a foundation for mitigating<01:11:56.239> risk<01:11:56.640
• for healthy um and the foundation for healthy communities. communities. communities.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee chair opened by explaining that the committee has expanded from a traditional audit-follow-up role into an oversight role focused on whether audit recommendations are implemented and whether controls are in place to detect fraud. He said the committee was concerned about fraud uncovered in social service programs in other states and wanted to understand New Hampshire’s safeguards, especially around major contracts and program performance. Charles Buchanan, director of the New Hampshire Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and investigator Tim Brackett described the unit’s structure and mission. Buchanan said the unit, housed in the Attorney General’s Criminal Justice Bureau, investigates and prosecutes fraud by health care providers serving Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of residents in health care facilities. He outlined common Medicaid fraud schemes such as billing for services not rendered, upcoding, using unqualified staff, drug substitution, kickbacks, supplemental charges, and inflated customary charges. He also described resident abuse/neglect and drug diversion in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living settings. Brackett said his role is financial investigator/auditor and noted the unit is grant-funded and must include a prosecutor, investigator, and auditor. The witnesses then explained how cases reach the unit and how they are handled. Most referrals come from the state Department of Health and Human Services’ program integrity unit and from managed care organizations’ special investigations units, which look for fraud, waste, and abuse and refer credible allegations. Other sources include qui tam whistleblower actions, the national Medicaid Fraud Control Units association, citizen complaints, provider referrals, adult protective services law-enforcement referrals, local law enforcement, and federal agencies. Once a referral is received, the unit can accept or deny it; accepted matters may be investigated criminally or civilly, while nonviable matters can be referred back to HHS or other agencies for administrative action, including repayment demands and reimbursement offsets. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• account to the public school foundation account to the public school foundation program<00:20:55.520
• And we funded our schools at a school foundation program and we made some transfers, certainly.
• So, we put it into just the school foundation program.
• So, we put it into just the school foundation program.
• So, we put it into just the school foundation program.

Keywords: 916, all