Video & Transcript Research : 'DHS'
Page 7 of 94
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
PUBLIC HEALTH WELFARE AND LABOR COMMITTEE-SENATE AND HOUSE Jun 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- As well as DHS.
- As well as DHS.
- That's something DHS can see.
- And then to also follow it up, that DHS has the ability to raise... ...that DHS has the ability to raise
- I don't, I mean, unfortunately, as DHS, we don't try to guess the intent.
Summary:
The committee reviewed a series of Medicaid and health-related administrative rules, most of them tied to 2025 acts. Early items covered presumptive eligibility end dates, adding a definition of fictive kin for foster children, and updating ABLE account disability onset age. The committee also reviewed rules on continuous glucose monitors, RSV vaccine administration fees, ET3 telemedicine exemptions for ambulance services, dental rate increases, physical and occupational therapy access, and the Healthy Moms Healthy Babies and lactation consultant provisions. Most rules were reviewed without objection, though several members asked for fiscal and implementation details, especially on the CGM rule and the dental rate rule.
The most extended discussion centered on the dental rate increase under Act 1025. DHS said the rule applies only to oral surgeons’ dental services as written, while the Arkansas State Dental Association and legislative sponsors argued the intent was to raise rates for a broader set of dentists performing the same procedures, especially for adults with special needs. Members discussed the statutory language, CMS constraints, bifurcated rates, and the estimated additional cost of about $1.5 million annually if general dentists were included. The committee ultimately reviewed the rule, but the chair noted the testimony and lawmakers indicated they would work on a fix next session.
Another major exchange involved the CGM rule. Members questioned the reported $3 million two-year fiscal impact, the prior authorization process, and whether DME providers would be forced into a pharmacy-based system. DHS explained that the same vendor would handle prior authorizations and that the billing system changes were already live, but one member moved to expunge the earlier review vote and then said he would hold the rule pending further clarification. The committee also reviewed rules on adverse decisions appeals, CNA training, substance abuse and mental health network-status disclosures, new certification rules for doulas and community health workers, cosmetology/body art, massage therapy, lead-based paint, radiation control, radiologic technology licensure, and mobile home/RV park standards. The meeting ended with all remaining items reviewed and the committee adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Human Services - 03/05/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- And you'll see in the court filings that the reason that DHS issued that payment withhold is because
- And you'll see in the court filings that the reason that DHS issued that payment withhold is because
- We've had a complex project team in place at DHS.
- We had proposals in happened um and at DHS we've been happened um and at DHS we've been conducting<00
- Chair Hoffman, Senator Abeler, for the record, at least the budget director at DHS...
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- to just show DHS general fund allocation.
- to just show DHS general fund allocation.
- DHS kind of on our own um you'll see too DHS kind of on our own um you'll see too that<00:57:48.599><
- um all of DHS and the green bar DHS um all of DHS and the green bar below<00:58:16.640>
it <00 - behavior all the other programs that DHS behavior all the other programs that DHS administers<01
Summary:
The committee convened for an opening discussion of the 2025 Human Services session, with members emphasizing bipartisan collaboration, the committee’s mission to strengthen support systems for Minnesotans, and a focus on helping vulnerable people thrive. The chair and members welcomed new and returning senators and staff, including new pages and interim committee administration, and several members briefly introduced themselves and their backgrounds in public service and human services work.
Members identified the main issues they expect to address this session: workforce shortages in human services professions, long-term care, program integrity, and efforts to limit waste, fraud, and abuse so funding reaches people who need it most. The chair also previewed upcoming hearings on eligibility and redeterminations for people with disabilities, MnCHOICES reassessments, assisted living and provider payment delays, and updates on direct care and treatment, noting that more detailed discussion would come in later meetings.
The committee then received a budget overview from fiscal analyst Kyle Raymond. He explained the combined Health and Human Services budget area, noted jurisdiction changes tied to the creation of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families and the planned separation of Direct Care and Treatment, and said some figures may differ from the November forecast because of those shifts. He outlined the major funding sources for the budget area, including federal funds and the general fund, and said the presentation would focus on the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget the legislature will be considering.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Codify 'kickbacks' in state law 3/24/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- DHS investigations of alleged kickbacks in the early intensive developmental and behavioral intervention
- Uh so, that is what the DHS has theft."
- Uh, also, DHS said put it in statute, so they agree. That's what this does.
- <00:15:44.240>
did says that we disagree that the DHS did says that we disagree that the DHS - explain they identified several ways DHS explain they identified several ways DHS could<00:15:54.120
Summary:
The committee took up House File 4566, authored by Representative Franssen, which responds to a recent Office of the Legislative Auditor report on alleged kickbacks in the early intensive developmental and behavioral intervention (EIBDI) program. Franssen said the bill would require DHS to use expedited rulemaking to clearly include kickbacks in the definition of fraud and would allow the department to withhold or reduce payments when there is a verified credible allegation of fraud, arguing this would protect taxpayer dollars and address a fraud scheme that she said cost about $20 million. Former Representative Matt Dean testified in support, saying the OLA report confirmed kickbacks existed and that the bill would give DHS clearer authority to stop them and pursue those involved.
Members raised several technical questions about how the bill interacts with existing state and federal law, including whether it overlaps with the illegal remuneration definition enacted last session, whether it could sweep in federal safe-harbor exceptions, and whether it would expand the scope of the anti-kickback rules. Nonpartisan staff said the bill cites existing definitions in Minnesota law, but also noted that the federal-law impact would need further review. Representative Noor emphasized keeping the credible-allegation language separate from the illegal-remuneration provisions to avoid unintended consequences, and Representative Fisher asked about differences from similar language in another bill; staff said the drafting differences could be reconciled.
Representative Jacob cited the OLA report’s conclusion that DHS already had authority to act on kickback allegations without legislative changes, while Representative Gander and Dean argued that even small kickbacks can drive much larger improper provider costs. After questions were closed, Representative Franssen renewed her motion to lay House File 4566 over for possible inclusion, and the motion prevailed.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Have we had a request from DHS for any of these dollars yet?
- Janet Mann, DHS Secretary. Hi, good morning.
- Janet Mann, DHS Secretary. Hi, good morning.
- Janet Mann, DHS Secretary. Good morning.
- So Misty Eubanks, DHS. Yes, ma'am. “This body was told.” So, Misty Eubanks, DHS. “Yes, ma’am.
Summary:
The committee considered a series of appropriation, transfer, and review items, approving most requests in Sections B through J. These included temporary appropriations for state technology upgrades, personnel management, court reporters and interpreters, crime victim claims, juvenile sex offender assessments, radiation lab testing, higher education workforce grants, an ARPA grant for the UAFS LPN program, an IIJA grant for geological/critical minerals work, a restricted reserve transfer for 102 State Police vehicles, a transfer to the Arkansas Heroes Program, several cash fund requests for the Real Estate Commission HVAC and AV needs, and overtime appropriations for Emergency Management and Military. One budget classification transfer request from the Commissioner of State Lands for $250,000 to cover operating expenses tied to a new building was discussed at length but failed on the vote after questions about the lease and operating costs.
A major portion of the meeting focused on a $25.7 million pay plan appropriation request for 15 agencies. Members questioned why the Department of Human Services had not requested additional pay-plan dollars for human development centers, where DHS acknowledged staffing shortages, high turnover, and heavy overtime but said the issue was not lack of pay-plan funding. DHS was asked to provide a written plan to address staffing problems. The Department of Corrections testified that the pay plan had improved retention and hiring, and committee members asked for follow-up data on vacancies and staffing outcomes. Members also clarified that the pay-plan request was appropriation only, not new funding, and approved it.
The committee then reviewed fund reports, including the restricted reserve, Budget Stabilization Trust Fund, Tobacco Settlement, State Central Services, Education Adequacy, Medicaid Trust Fund, IIJA, and Revenue Services transfer reports. DHS and DFA were questioned closely about the Medicaid Trust Fund, with members noting a $90 million February draw and asking about projected year-end balances; DFA and DHS said February was a high-expense, low-revenue month and projected the fund would remain solvent through the fiscal year, ending between $150 million and $200 million, while a second $100 million set-aside is planned for FY27. The committee also discussed a state hospital damage report, where DHS explained that insurance proceeds would not fully cover the repair costs because of depreciation and the age of the buildings; members expressed concern that the state would recover far less than originally expected, and DHS said any additional insurance recovery would be limited and returned to restricted reserve.
MN
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- First of all, thank you for the opportunity to present the DHS portion of our DHS impacts of the February
- for ssis it was appropriated um to DHS for ssis it was appropriated um to DHS but<00:37:01.400><
- There's a lot of deep thinkers at DHS, but there's a lot of deep thinkers outside of DHS that need to
- There's a lot of deep thinkers at DHS, but there's a lot of deep thinkers outside of DHS that need to
- There's a lot of deep thinkers at DHS, but there's a lot of deep thinkers outside of DHS that need to
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 2/10/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Services I have served DHS for um the Services I have served DHS for um the past<00:58:46.520>
eight - <00:58:54.200>
from compliance officer I came to DHS from compliance officer I came to DHS - So DHS directly impacts more than a quarter of all Minnesotans.
- So DHS directly impacts more than a quarter of all Minnesotans.
- <01:32:07.239>
office fransen I would say that uh DHS office fransen I would say that uh DHS
Summary:
The committee met for a Health and Finance Policy hearing, began with member and staff introductions, and noted that Representative Keeler was participating as a non-voting member. The chair outlined committee rules on decorum and then introduced the day’s first agency presentation from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), with Commissioner Cunningham appearing to present the department’s budget priorities.
Commissioner Cunningham described MDH’s broad public health role and emphasized that public health is underfunded relative to health care, with significant reliance on federal dollars. The department’s main budget request was for infectious disease prevention and response to offset anticipated federal funding losses. MDH also outlined several fee increases tied to public water systems, wells, licensing and certification, assisted living and health care facilities, HMO regulation, food/pools/lodging inspections, radioactive materials, X-ray equipment, and asbestos abatement. The commissioner said these changes were needed because costs, workload, and regulatory complexity have increased, while many fees have not been updated in years.
MDH also presented budget-neutral proposals, including continuing the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Advisory Committee, converting the Maternal and Child Health Advisory Task Force into a standing advisory committee, restoring some local and tribal public health cannabis and substance misuse prevention grants, creating direct American Indian Health Special Emphasis Grants, reauthorizing the State Trauma Advisory Council, and extending firefighter PFAS biomonitoring work. The department also requested an operations adjustment for rising employee, insurance, fuel, utility, and legal costs, and referenced additional Clean Water Legacy Fund proposals. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided. Representative Bierman then offered supportive comments, praising MDH’s work and backing the funding and fee proposals, especially the restoration of local public health prevention grants.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Media Availability on S.F. 856 - 05/08/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Are you at a better place with DHS and other agencies?
- Are you at a better place with DHS and other agencies?
- DHS is primarily responsible for conducting those investigations.
- DHS is primarily responsible for conducting those investigations.
- DHS is primarily responsible for conducting those investigations.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a current employee of DHS, and I am one of the very, very few DHS employees who can publicly speak
- I'm a current employee of DHS, and I am one of the very, very few DHS employees who can publicly speak
- I was banned from all DHS-owned and licensed property.
- I was banned from all DHS-owned and licensed property. I was investigated.
- I was banned from all DHS-owned and licensed property.
Summary:
Faye Bernstein, a 20-year employee of the Department of Human Services, testified that she had experienced retaliation after raising concerns about contract irregularities and compliance problems years earlier. She said she was walked out of the building, banned from DHS property, and subjected to a lengthy investigation, which she described as professionally and personally harmful. Bernstein stated that the investigation ultimately found she had questioned leadership’s decision-making and held up contracts with compliance issues, and she said she stood by those actions.
Her broader testimony focused on what she described as a culture of retaliation and a lack of fraud-prevention mindset at DHS. She criticized department leadership, including Commissioner Gandhi, and said internal auditors and others failed to adequately address the problems she raised. Bernstein argued that the department’s failures had serious consequences for vulnerable people, including homeless individuals affected by a program shutdown during winter, and said the agency needed major leadership changes and firings.
The chair thanked Bernstein for her testimony at the end of her remarks. No committee vote or formal action was taken during this exchange.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/27/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- um this section to the uh DHS section. um this section to the uh DHS section.
- <00:40:54.880>
Um or as we move to the DHS portion. Um or as we move to the DHS portion. - right or wrong in here, but is is DHS right or wrong in here, but is is DHS exempt,<01:38:40.960
- It wouldn't apply to DHS.
- for the DHS Office of Inspector General. for the DHS Office of Inspector General.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 4/8/26
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- in DHS also. in DHS also.
- happen in DHS. happen in DHS. Commissioner. Commissioner. Commissioner.
- or the current funding that is at DHS or the current funding that is at DHS has<00:21:14.640>
- <00:21:26.800>
So, <00:21:27.080>the DHS specific. So, the DHS specific. - Well, we know $8.2 went to DHS and they're doing something about it. Or not DHS, uh, DCYF.
Keywords:
human services, background studies, NETStudy 2.0, licensing, license suspension, license revocation, provider enrollment, program integrity, fraud, medical assistance fraud, Medicaid, payment withholding, credible allegation of fraud, background check, disqualification, variance, set-aside, foster care, family foster setting, adult foster care
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH Public Hearing - Tue Feb 4, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- I have a question for DHS.
- I have a question for DHS.
- I have a question for DHS.
- I have a question for DHS.
- I have a question for DHS.
Summary:
The committee heard several Human Services measures focused on Medicaid access, long-term care benefits, home health reimbursement, SNAP administration, trauma-informed child welfare, and child abuse reporting. HP 702 would increase funding for Medicaid in-home services if federal matching funds are secured, and testimony from disability advocates supported the measure as needed to help people with disabilities cover medical expenses. HB 1477, described as a correction to a prior session’s mistake, would clarify that the monthly needs allowance for certain long-term care residents does not replace state supplemental payments and would raise the ceiling by $25 to fix the prior issue and by an additional $20 as a new benefit; DHS supported it with amendments, and the committee indicated it would amend accordingly. HB 713 would fund a DHS rate study for home health services, with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii strongly supporting it and describing rising labor costs, losses on Medicaid patients, and access concerns if agencies cannot keep serving Medicaid clients. HB 1099 would appropriate emergency funds to DHS after a USDA penalty tied to SNAP response times, with supporters including Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others arguing the money should be reinvested in staffing and systems to improve access and avoid further penalties. HB 1079 would direct the Office of Wellness and Resilience and DHS to create trauma-informed assessments and training for Child Welfare Services staff; testimony from state offices and advocacy groups supported it, citing the Mālama ʻOhana Working Group, staff burnout, and the need for a sustainable train-the-trainer model. Finally, HB 239 would narrow when failure to provide a child’s needs constitutes abuse or neglect, but DHS raised concerns that the current wording could broaden abuse findings and leave families in poverty without a clear safety net, while the Honolulu prosecutor’s office opposed it, warning it could weaken mandatory reporting and hinder investigations of child abuse. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided, though the chair said HB 1477 would be amended and several measures were left open for further questions and testimony.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 12/17/25
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- >> no, DHS. I'm sorry. >> no, DHS. I'm sorry.
- <00:28:43.200>
must As an administrative agency, DHS must As an administrative agency, DHS - DHS DHS notice<00:58:50.960>
this? - coming into the market, in fact, DHS coming into the market, in fact, DHS faced<01:09:20.000>
- We do not have the staff at DHS.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Expanding and modifying Medicaid fraud provisions 2/26/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- anything like that over DHS in place. anything like that over DHS in place.
- DHS? DHS? >> Mr.<00:37:37.119>
Chairman. <00:37:38.320>So, >> Mr. - DHS, so I come from agriculture. Uh the DHS, so I come from agriculture.
- either a conspiracy between DHS either a conspiracy between DHS employees<00:41:29.920>
and abetting under the law where DHS abetting under the law where DHS your<00:41:41.599>agency
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 1/23/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:25:33.120>
so of msop and he worked for DHS so of msop and he worked for DHS so regarding - :25:36.480>
approximately regarding DHS msop um is approximately regarding DHS msop um is approximately - <00:26:08.640>
bu propose that if not the entire DHS bu propose that if not the entire DHS - several proposals in the governor's DHS several proposals in the governor's DHS budget<00:30:02.320
- <00:38:01.200>
section found on page 136 of the DH section found on page 136 of the DH section
Summary:
The House Committee on Human Services Finance and Policy met to approve prior minutes and then take public testimony on the governor’s budget recommendations for human services. The chair explained the hearing format and noted that DHS declined to testify. Much of the testimony focused on proposed reductions or caps affecting disability waiver services, nursing homes, and elderly waiver programs, as well as related fee and tax changes in the budget.
Representatives of ARM argued that the governor’s proposal would cap inflationary adjustments at 2%, limit rate exceptions, cap billable days, and restrict individualized home supports, which they said would worsen workforce shortages, reduce wages for direct support professionals, and destabilize disability services. They said the package would cut about $600 million over four years and could lead to group home closures, higher turnover, and families losing access to local homes and services. Committee members asked about real-world impacts and future rate adjustments, and ARM responded that providers have already planned around expected 2026 rates, so a cap would create immediate budget and staffing problems.
Long-Term Care Imperative testified against nursing home-related cuts, saying the budget would cap future rate increases, limit health insurance costs in rate setting, phase out closure-related agreements and incentives, and fail to fully fund the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board. They estimated the nursing home provisions could amount to a $218 million cut over four years, or roughly $350 million when combined with other underfunding, and said every nursing home and bed in Minnesota would be affected. They also criticized the lack of an inflation factor in Elderly Waiver, a proposed 54% increase in assisted living fees, and possible changes to provider-assessed fine and penalty funds. Members asked about staffing and bed availability, and the testifiers said reduced funding would likely force more beds out of service.
A later testifier, Dan Andre of the Minnesota Council of Health Plans, raised concerns about the DHS budget’s proposed increase in the HMO surcharge and about carving pharmacy and non-emergency medical transportation benefits out of managed care. He argued the tax increase would raise premiums for fully insured and Medicare supplement enrollees and that managed care coordination helps members access care and medications. The hearing also included one unrelated, disruptive testimony about the Minnesota Sex Offender Program and other agencies, which the chair redirected back to the human services budget. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving testimony.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 04/08/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Those to the DHS with redactions.
- and they give that report to DHS. and they give that report to DHS.
- rather than give DHS some discretion or rather than give DHS some discretion or any<00:40:49.520>
- to DHS. to DHS.
- <00:48:03.520>
couldn't <00:48:03.839>do DHS because DHS then simply couldn't do DHS
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Janet Mann, DHS Secretary. Hi, good morning.
- If others have questions for DHS, I'll get back in the queue.
- Good morning, Janet Mann, DHS Secretary.
- So Misty, Eubanks, DHS.
- So Misty, Eubanks, DHS.
Summary:
The committee considered a series of appropriation, fund transfer, and reserve requests across multiple agencies. Section B temporary appropriations included funding for state technology upgrades, personnel management staffing and IT skills assessment, court reporters and interpreters, crime victim claims, juvenile sex offender assessments, radiation lab testing, and higher education workforce grants and credentialing pathways. Additional items covered an ARPA grant for the University of Arkansas Fort Smith LPN program, an IIJA grant for the Oil and Gas Commission’s critical minerals work, a restricted reserve transfer for State Police vehicle purchases, a transfer to the Arkansas Heroes Program, and cash fund requests for the Real Estate Commission’s AV system and HVAC work. Most of these items were approved by voice vote.
One budget classification transfer request from the Commissioner of State Lands drew extended questioning and was ultimately not approved. Members questioned the $250,000 transfer to operating expenses tied to the purchase of a West Little Rock office building, the ongoing lease costs at the prior location, and whether the agency had adequately planned for building-related expenses. After discussion, the motion failed, and members told the agency to tighten spending and return if needed.
The committee then took up 15 pay plan appropriation requests totaling $25.7 million and approved them after discussion with DFA, DHS, Corrections, and the State Board of Election Commissioners. Members focused heavily on DHS staffing shortages at human development centers, where officials said vacancies and turnover were driven by overtime and burnout rather than pay alone; one member asked DHS to submit a written plan to address the issue. Corrections reported the pay plan had improved hiring and retention. The committee also approved overtime appropriations for Emergency Management and Military.
Reports on reserve funds, the Budget Stabilization Trust Fund, tobacco settlement, State Central Services, Education Adequacy, Medicaid Trust, IIJA, and revenue transfer activity were received. The Medicaid Trust Fund report prompted significant concern about February’s $90 million draw; DHS said the month was unusually high because of cash-flow timing and that the fund should end the year with a balance between $150 million and $200 million, while lawmakers noted a second $100 million set-aside is planned for FY27. The final discussion centered on DHS’s state hospital damage claim and reconstruction funding, where members expressed disappointment that insurance reimbursement would likely return only about $1.8 million now and possibly about $97,000 more later, far less than the roughly $5 million initially expected. DHS explained the policy was based on actual cash value and depreciation for old buildings, and said the work would proceed on Unit 3 for secured restoration because it was the most cost-effective option.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/25/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- >
via <00:35:42.240>an DHS administers these funds via an DHS administers these funds via - <00:41:38.400>
budget um aren't carried in the DHS budget um aren't carried in the DHS budget - Um in this biennium, the impact to DHS.
- DHS and at the local agencies. DHS and at the local agencies.
- <01:14:38.920>
to <01:14:39.080>develop would direct DHS to develop would direct DHS
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- But it's primarily right now with DHS and SNAP.
- But it's primarily right now with DHS and SNAP.
- They have right now with DHS and SNAP.
- I know we discussed this in our appropriations meeting with DHS.
- Uh, a lot of money meeting with DHS.
Summary:
The committee considered five bills. SB 2567, the Mississippi Pediatric Access to Critical Health Care Protection Act, would allow a border hospital to accept Medicaid patients and payments; it was moved as title sufficient and reported, with one member opposing. SB 2571, the Foster Youth Earn Benefit Protection for Success Act, would require Social Security survivor or disability benefits for foster youth to be used for the child rather than reimbursing the state for foster care costs; the sponsor said the bill follows federal guidance and other states’ practices, and it was reported after a title-sufficient motion, with one opposition.
SB 2708 would require insurers to cover postpartum depression screenings. Senator Boyd said most insurers already do this, and he offered an amendment to strike lines 364-368 because of concerns about step-therapy language; the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill. SB 2765 would open code sections related to DHS and Medicaid income verification so Mississippi can respond to federal error-rate penalties tied to SNAP and related programs; Senator Sparks said the state’s 10.69% error rate could trigger about $128 million in annual penalties, and members discussed whether the state’s change-reporting rules may be inflating that rate. The bill was reported.
The final bill, SB 2746, the Older Mississippians Act, was described by DHS as a cleanup measure that updates aging-services statutes, formally designates Mississippi as the state unit on aging, and removes obsolete program references. After brief discussion, it was reported on a title-sufficient motion. At the end of the meeting, Senator McMahan publicly thanked the chair for his work, and the committee then moved to rise and report.