Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Senator Jay Collins, Senate District 14. It's a large portion of Hillsborough County.
• I'm Senator Collins, Senate District 14. It's a large portion of Hillsborough County.
• You will find the Florida Election Code in chapters 97 through 106 of the Florida Statutes.
• You will find the Florida Election Code in chapters 97 through 106 of the Florida statutes.
• Prior to the new law, the advocates had no less than 14 days to file the recommendations.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections convened, established a quorum, and members introduced themselves and the committee staff. Chair Gaetz outlined the committee’s jurisdiction over election law, ethics law, executive appointments, and related confirmations, and described the committee’s process for handling gubernatorial nominations and member concerns about nominees. The committee then received a briefing from the Florida Commission on Ethics on its 2025 legislative priorities and on implementation of Senate Bill 7014 from the prior year. The commission recommended three changes: expanding the definition of “relative” in the gift law to include current and former foster parents and foster children; authorizing salary withholding to help collect civil penalties and restitution; and adding whistleblower-like protections for people who file ethics complaints. Commission staff also explained how SB 7014 changed complaint processing by requiring allegations to be based on personal knowledge or non-hearsay information and by imposing new deadlines for legal sufficiency review, investigations, and advocates’ recommendations. They said the commission has adapted its intake and review process and is currently meeting the new timelines, though the tighter deadlines may create staffing and scheduling challenges. Commission counsel also provided an update on two active lawsuits. One challenges the constitutional in-office lobbying ban, and the other challenges the requirement that elected municipal officers and mayors file Form 6 financial disclosure forms. The committee discussed the impact of the new complaint standards, the possibility of litigation if deadlines are missed, and whether local ethics boards are implementing SB 7014 similarly. Members expressed support for the commission’s work and asked for written legislative recommendations and proposed statutory language. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• You<00:14:43.600> know,<00:14:43.680> the<00:14:44.000> point<00:14:44.240> of
• Department<01:14:14.800> of<01:14:15.040> Human<01:14:15.360> Services<01:14:16.719
• >> Thank<01:14:20.640> you<01:14:20.800> very<01:14:21.120> much.
• <01:14:37.679> Anybody<01:14:38.560> else<01:14:38.880> wishing<01:14:39.199
• <01:14:39.840> Are<01:14:40.080> you<01:14:40.480> for<01:14:41.520> the<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint HHS and LBT meeting opened with accessibility concerns, as several blind attendees arrived after the general public had already been seated. The chair apologized and said future hearings would try to seat blind members earlier. The committee also announced the hearing was being streamed on YouTube, testimony would be limited to one minute, and written testimony was available online. The first bill heard was SB 2281, relating to the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. The Department of Health supported transparency for patients but preferred disclosure through provider websites and office signage rather than a new regulatory program. The Hawaii Medical Association and Healthcare Association of Hawaii generally supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about administrative burden and suggested a working group or model policies. Hawaii Pacific Health said it already uses AI for note-taking and patient portal functions and worried that written notice requirements could create too much consumer information. In response, the chair emphasized that patients should be informed when AI is used, especially if it affects diagnosis or consequential decisions, and said AI should not be making medical decisions. The committee later voted to recommend SB 2281 pass with amendments, including narrowing the definition of consequential decisions, removing certain language requested by DOH, adding a two-year implementation period, and setting a far-future defective date for further discussion; both committees adopted the recommendation, with the chair voting aye and the vice chair voting with reservations. The second major bill was SB 2852, a civil rights measure focused on digital access for people with disabilities. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii all supported the bill, arguing that existing law clearly protects physical access but should also make digital access explicit. Blind testifiers described how accessible technology, such as VoiceOver on iPhones, allows them to participate independently in public processes and warned that inaccessible digital systems can create barriers for thousands of blind residents. One testifier, an attorney with disability-law experience, supported the bill’s intent but said the draft had flaws, including no exceptions for archived materials, no distinction between small and large businesses, and concerns about the timing and choice of accessibility standards; he suggested delegating regulatory authority to the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission. The bill’s sponsor said he supported DAB’s proposed amendments, and the committee indicated those amendments would address many of the concerns raised. No final vote on SB 2852 was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up SB 2751, which defines compounded prescription drugs for workers’ compensation purposes. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations supported the bill but requested clarifying amendments to keep pharmacists as the primary professionals authorized to compound in licensed pharmacies and to limit any physician compounding authority to the physician’s own patient. Supporters included the Work Injury Medical Association of Hawaii, while Solera Integrated Medical Solutions opposed the measure, arguing the current definition was already broad enough and warning about cost inflation, especially with 503B bulk compounding facilities and physician dispensing. In questioning, members asked about rural access, reimbursement for 503B products, and late testimony suggesting definitions for 503A and 503B facilities, limits on physician dispensing to 30 days post-injury, and pre-approval for non-FDA-approved drugs. DLIR said not every rural community has licensed pharmacists available, that products with a national drug code are reimbursed at 140%, and that 503B facilities raise concerns because they are bulk manufacturers rather than patient-specific compounding operations. The meeting then moved into decision-making on SB 2281; the chair’s pass-with-amendments recommendation was adopted by both committees, with the vice chair voting with reservations.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:40.560> But<00:14:40.800> beyond<00:14:41.199> this,<00:14:41.680>
• branding.<00:14:57.519> So<00:14:57.680> for<00:14:57.920> both<00:14:58.079>
• But we offer, I think, a simpler solution that is to amend HRS chapter 2011-14, which is the consolidated
• <00:39:26.880> 2011-14 is to amend uh HRS chapter 2011-14 is to amend uh HRS chapter 2011-
• And just<01:14:28.960> just<01:14:29.199> a<01:14:29.440> matter<01:14:29.920>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard SB 2627, which would exempt Hawaii Tourism Authority contracts and agreements for sports projects, events, and related marketing from the state procurement code and other competitive bidding requirements. HTA, DBEDT, and the State Procurement Office testified in support or with comments, while one individual offered general support for sports tourism. Senators focused on narrowing the bill so the exemption would apply more specifically to sports-related projects and marketing, rather than broad marketing activities, and discussed whether the bill should require notice to the State Procurement Office or approval by the chief procurement officer. Procurement officials said a reporting requirement would be the most expeditious option, while still allowing post-event monitoring and public posting of exemptions. Members also discussed whether the exemption should be limited to situations involving sole-source sports entities, such as major leagues or international sports organizations, to better justify bypassing procurement rules. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, but members and testifiers agreed to continue working on the language. The hearing then moved to SB 2074 relating to state facilities and naming rights for the Aloha Stadium and Hawaii Convention Center. The Stadium Authority, HTA, and DBEDT testified in support, while the Outdoor Circle and other organizations opposed the measure. Opponents argued the bill could create fiscal and legal risk, echoing concerns raised in prior legislation and by the attorney general, and warned it would mark a major shift by treating public facilities as commercial branding opportunities. Supporters said naming rights could generate significant revenue to help fund the stadium project and reduce the burden on the state and developers. Senators questioned how signage would be handled, especially whether it would be exterior-facing or limited to inward-facing signage, and the Stadium Authority said it was willing to work with the Outdoor Circle on language that would preserve community aesthetics while allowing revenue generation. A senator cited a prior study estimating naming rights could bring in about $1.5 million per year over 20 years, and asked what that revenue would buy for the public; the Stadium Authority responded that it would help advance the project toward a larger, improved stadium. No final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, there's GMA 14 and then there was the GMA 14 interlocal group.
• The GMA 14 interlocal group consisted of all of GMA 14 plus Washington, Chambers, and the two subsidence
• He was the consultant for GMA 14.
• So I think that there's absolutely mechanisms in Chapter 36.
• fee provisions of Chapter 36.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• would<00:14:18.759> sorry<00:14:19.240> that's<00:14:19.360> all<00:14:19.560><
• measures<00:14:37.800> that<00:14:37.920> we'll<00:14:38.160> be<00:14:38.279>
• > to<00:14:46.240> come<00:14:46.399> up<00:14:46.600> with<00:14:46.759>
• ><00:14:49.120> was<00:14:49.279> great<00:14:49.440> to<00:14:49.560> be
• to<00:14:49.880> do<00:14:50.000> it<00:14:50.160> once<00:14:50.800> when

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard three House bills related to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. HB 606 would extend the Act 279 special fund to June 30, 2028, continue deposits and appropriations to help eliminate the DHHL waitlist, and require a strategic plan and annual reporting. DHHL strongly supported the measure, saying most of the initial $600 million had been used and that the need remains large, with more than 29,000 people on the waitlist. Public testimony also supported the bill, emphasizing its importance to Native Hawaiian families and concerns about Hawaiians leaving the islands because of housing costs. A member noted the bill is a priority and that the committee will keep working on how to fund another $600 million. HB 1086 would exempt DHHL homestead lot and housing development from general excise and use taxes. DHHL supported the bill, saying any tax savings would reduce the eventual cost of housing for low-income beneficiaries. The Department of Taxation said it could administer the measure and noted it is already being implemented under the governor’s emergency proclamation, with a proposed effective date of January 1, 2026. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical comments and urged the committee to weigh existing benefits already received by DHHL beneficiaries. HB 1307 would appropriate funds for DHHL water well development and geothermal exploration on Hawaiian homelands. DHHL said the bill is a follow-up to prior study funding and would support slim-hole drilling, site evaluation, and consultant work to identify viable geothermal resources, especially on Hawaiʻi Island. Several testifiers opposed the bill, arguing there had been inadequate beneficiary consultation, raising environmental, cultural, and safety concerns, and objecting to using $20 million for geothermal rather than housing. In response to committee questions, DHHL staff explained that the goal is to gather information for a future public-private partnership to develop geothermal electricity, and that a Chapter 343 environmental review would be required later in the process. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• 152, and make some changes in chapter 342, which will be the new medical rules, primarily related to
• > will some changes in chapter 342 which will some changes in chapter 342 which will be<00:02:
• This bill represents<00:14:00.320> meaningful<00:14:00.959> progress<00:14:01.360> and
• and with a<00:14:01.920> few<00:14:02.079> final<00:14:02.480> refinements,<00:
• 14:03.199> it<00:14:03.440> can<00:14:03.600> serve<00:14:03.760> as Mr.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I see New Mexico chapter leadership. Would you unmute?
• All right, will you try again, New Mexico chapter leadership?
• The New Mexico chapter is in support. Thank you.
• Is there anyone in opposition to House Bill 14?
• Madam Chair, I'd like to make a motion for a do pass for House Bill 14.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:14:41.040> down<00:14:41.199> to<00:14:41.360> you<00:14:41.519> and
• and we'll get<00:14:41.920> it<00:14:42.079> all<00:14:42.240> on<00:14:42.399><
• <01:14:25.120> that<01:14:25.440> you're<01:14:25.679> also<01:14:25.920>
• Unless<01:14:35.600> one<01:14:35.840> of<01:14:36.000> you<01:14:36.159>
• <01:14:37.920> I'm<01:14:38.080> a<01:14:38.239> I'm<01:14:38.480> a

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > we<01:14:02.719> have<01:14:02.800> a<01:14:02.960> roll<01:14:03.120><
• <01:14:09.600> This<01:14:09.760> is<01:14:09.840> not<01:14:10.000> a
• <01:14:13.679> not<01:14:14.080> there<01:14:14.480> as<01:14:14.880> uh<
• <01:14:22.080> agree<01:14:22.239> that<01:14:22.400> this<01:14:22.560>
• <01:14:23.520> So<01:14:23.600> I<01:14:23.760> ask<01:14:23.840> for

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House began with a resolution recognizing May 15, 2026, as Peace Officer Memorial Day and the week of May 10-16 as Police Week in Minnesota. Members read a series of “whereas” clauses honoring fallen peace officers, including three names added to the memorial this year, and thanking the thousands of officers serving across the state. The resolution was adopted without objection, and the chamber also received a Rules and Legislative Administration report placing several bills on the calendar for the day. The main floor action was on House File 4252, the higher education finance and policy conference committee report. Supporters said the bill includes funding for identification verification systems in the MNSCU system to combat enrollment fraud, money to cover a shortfall in Fostering Independence grants for foster youth, and a small appropriation for trees at Bemidji State University. Several members praised the public conference committee process and the bipartisan work behind the bill. Others criticized the bill for not addressing the larger state grant shortfall and raised concerns about how grant dollars are allocated. The House adopted the conference report and repassed the bill 101-33. The House then concurred in Senate amendments to House File 3825, a public safety vehicle bill that also carried a package of scope-of-practice and licensing changes. Members described provisions affecting acupuncture, athletic trainers, massage therapy, mortuary science, music therapy, social work title protection, pharmacist prescribing, physical therapy, and advanced practice nursing. Supporters argued the changes improve access, affordability, workforce flexibility, and patient care, while one member warned that some scope expansions were insufficiently scrutinized and could harm the health care system. After debate, the House agreed to the Senate amendments and moved the bill forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:14:01.720> it's<00:14:01.840> kind<00:14:02.040> of<00:14:02.120> like
• 14:03.680> lot<00:14:03.880> of<00:14:04.000> traffic<00:14:04.480> at<00
• Did<00:14:06.520> anyone<00:14:06.880> anticipate<00:14:08.240> that<00:14:08.400
• 00:14:31.360> um<00:14:31.600> study,<00:14:32.000> but<00:14:32.240> not
• <00:14:33.680> one<00:14:34.520> um<00:14:34.800> that<00:14:35.040> would

Bills: HF3373, HF4449, HF3486, HF4180, HF4227, HF2505

Keywords: transportation, interchange, funding, bonds, St. Paul Park, transit, Metropolitan Council, Twin Cities, metro area, high-frequency transit, bus rapid transit, busway, guideway, transportation policy plan, transit performance measures, regional transit benchmarks, transit-oriented development, TOD, zoning, land use

Summary: The committee approved the April 8, 2026 minutes and then heard House File 3373, which was laid over. The bill sought trunk highway bond funding for preliminary and final design work at the 70th Street interchange in St. Paul Park. Representative Hansen, Mayor Keith Frankie, and Washington County Commissioner Karla Bigham described the interchange as undersized and increasingly unsafe because of refinery truck traffic, aggregate hauling, nearby growth, and changing traffic patterns. Members asked about prior study, cost, and greenhouse gas requirements, and the bill author said the request was about $500,000. Chair Cosgrove noted the bill would be laid over and suggested the issue could involve future statutory exemptions. The committee then took up House File 4449, also laid over, after adopting the A4 author’s amendment. Representative Jones presented the bill as a transit planning and accountability measure for the Twin Cities metro. It would set numeric transit goals, require better coordination between road projects and future transit projects, and give the Met Council more tools to support transit-oriented development, including property acquisition and development around transit corridors. Jones argued the bill would help avoid rebuilding roads twice and improve transit ridership, frequency, speed, and reliability. Representative Olson offered an amendment to exempt highway projects primarily addressing documented safety issues, arguing that safety projects should not be burdened by added transit requirements or costs. Jones said she supported the safety concern but opposed the amendment as written because the bill was aimed at major construction projects. After a roll call, the amendment failed on an 8-8 tie. The bill itself remained laid over for further work, with the chair noting there was still time to refine the proposal.

Transcript Highlights:

• "<00:14:35.839> Um,<00:14:36.320> those<00:14:36.560> are<00:14:36.720> just<
• But when you're<00:14:49.839> a<00:14:50.079> woman<00:14:50.320> and<00:14:50.480
• > egg,<00:14:50.880> you<00:14:51.120> feel<00:14:51.279> it<00:14:51.519
• <00:14:57.360> You<00:14:57.519> set<00:14:57.680> your<00:14:57.839> budget
• ><00:14:58.880> year<00:14:59.120> and<00:14:59.519> this<00:14:59.760> is

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:14:06.680> to<00:14:06.800> be<00:14:07.000> clear<00:14:07.360> when<
• ><00:14:10.040> dig<00:14:10.240> into<00:14:10.440> the<00:14:10.560> data
• they<00:14:12.560> are<00:14:12.720> charging<00:14:13.120> and<00:14:13.399
• > who<00:14:19.120> can<00:14:19.320> answer<00:14:19.920> why<00:14:20.079>
• > services<00:14:27.279> at<00:14:27.480> clinics<00:14:28.440> as<00:14:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.040> K<00:14:00.480> Cher<00:14:00.880> Chang<00:14:01.320> to<00:14:
• <00:14:05.480> the<00:14:05.639> unique<00:14:06.079> historic<00:14:06.639>
• > sp1<00:14:12.040> 1517<00:14:12.880> is<00:14:13.040> a<00:14:13.320>
• <00:14:16.480> we<00:14:16.680> care<00:14:16.880> for<00:14:17.079> this
• <00:14:20.759> else<00:14:20.959> in<00:14:21.079> our<00:14:21.399> Pina

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Water and Land Committee heard several measures related to DLNR, coastal management, and public lands. SB 561, which appropriates funds for conservation enforcement equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, drew broad support from DLNR and multiple organizations, with the chair noting 18 supporters and no opposition. SB 465 would require DLNR to study the carrying capacity of Kīkiʻola Small Boat Harbor on Kauaʻi and report to the Legislature; DLNR supported the intent but suggested the study be timed with an ongoing $41 million capital improvement project. Senator Kouchi explained the bill was meant to close a permit loophole that has allowed operators to increase passenger capacity without additional approval, while one testifier opposed the measure as unnecessary and late. Supporters included county and community representatives, while some written testimony opposed it. The committee also heard SB 1456, which broadens the definition of beach restoration to include work on eroded beaches and degraded dune systems, including sand management, native vegetation, and removal of abandoned materials. DLNR, the University of Hawaiʻi, and other testifiers supported the measure as an administrative update. SB 1460 would require BLNR lease extensions to use updated forms reflecting current leasing practices; DLNR supported it as an administrative bill. SB 1517 would authorize public land leases for recreational residential use by public lottery limited to county residents. DLNR supported the bill, and Chipper Wiman and others testified that it would help preserve Kauaʻi’s historic recreational cabins and create fairness for local families; the committee also heard concerns about older cabins, market-based auction prices, and the need to keep these leases affordable for residents. The committee then heard SB 1511, which would prohibit vessels longer than 75 feet from entering Honoliʻi Bay, with an exemption for government vessels; DLNR and at least one additional testifier supported it. SB 1019 would allow the Ocean Stewardship Special Fund to be used for beach restoration planning and grants to nonprofits for cleanup, but DLNR said that purpose fit better under the separate Beach Restoration Special Fund, and the Ocean Tourism Coalition opposed the bill on that basis. Finally, SB 1457 would authorize DLNR to issue interim rules on commercial and recreational water sports equipment use for up to two years; DLNR described it as an adaptive-management tool for changing conditions, while multiple water-sports operators and residents opposed it, arguing it would reduce public participation, expand agency power, and target the foiling community. The hearing closed with the chair noting heavy opposition to SB 1457, including 88 written testimonies against it and only a few in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• emergencies under<00:14:24.560> the<00:14:24.720> no-<00:14:25.040> lift<00:14:
• <00:14:33.680> No<00:14:33.920> one<00:14:34.000> is<00:14:34.160> saying
• Um<00:14:44.240> and<00:14:44.399> and<00:14:44.880> 911<00:14:45.519> might<
• So it's<00:14:47.040> really<00:14:47.199> trying<00:14:47.440> to<00:14:47.600>
• <00:14:49.760> of<00:14:50.000> the<00:14:50.240> prevalence<00:14:50.720>

Bills: HF3935, HF2216, HF4354, HF4210, HF4212

Keywords: assisted living, healthcare, training, unlicensed personnel, resident rights, safety regulations, nursing home, long-term care, guardian, conservator, arbitration, mandatory arbitration, consumer protection, fee increase, rate increase, price hike, private pay, public funds, Medicaid, waiver services

Transcript Highlights:

• Chapter double Z is a second chapter and it says under definitions on line 14 in this chapter.
• Chapter double >> Chapter Z is one chapter.
• definitions on line 14 in this chapter. definitions on line 14 in this chapter.
• . chapter. chapter.
• 03:14:31.520> B,<03:14:31.840> C,<03:14:32.560> D<03:14:32.720> and<03:14

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:16.720> Turn<00:14:16.959> your<00:14:17.120> mic<00:14:17.279> on
• The little<00:14:18.000> red<00:14:18.240> button<00:14:18.480> hit<00:14:18.639
• Is<00:14:19.440> it<00:14:19.519> on<00:14:19.680> now?<00:14:20.000> Yep.
• c> of<00:14:29.839> a<00:14:30.079> much<00:14:30.240> higher<00:14:30.480><
• until<00:14:57.360> the<00:14:57.600> case<00:14:58.160> of<00:14:59.000

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:10.560> with<00:14:10.800> me<00:14:11.040> every<00:14:11.360> day
• They<00:14:12.560> remind<00:14:12.800> me<00:14:13.040> of<00:14:13.279> the
• <00:14:18.240> home<00:14:18.959> and<00:14:19.279> honor<00:14:19.760> every
• fallen hero<00:14:21.360> with<00:14:21.680> the<00:14:21.839> dignity<00:14:22.399
• May Javier Villan<00:14:31.120> Noeva<00:14:31.680> rest<00:14:31.839> in<00:14:

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

Transcript Highlights:

• c> corridors<00:14:03.000> is<00:14:03.279> confusing<00:14:03.759> in<00:14
• Municipal state<00:14:06.920> aid<00:14:07.240> streets<00:14:07.720> are<00:14
• for<00:14:18.800> us<00:14:19.800> we<00:14:19.920> have<00:14:20.160> cons<
• may<00:14:29.720> not<00:14:29.959> meet<00:14:30.240> State<00:14:30.519>
• must<00:14:40.360> have<00:14:40.480> a<00:14:40.639> mechanism<00:14:41.120>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> goal<00:14:05.639> is<00:14:05.800> to<00:14:06.000> say<00:14:06.480>
• /c><00:14:10.880> in<00:14:11.040> the<00:14:11.240> last<00:14:11.920> X
• the<00:14:17.959> department<00:14:18.440> or<00:14:18.639> the<00:14:18.800>
• <00:14:21.079> three<00:14:21.360> or<00:14:21.600> four<00:14:21.920> of
• is<00:14:33.720> there<00:14:33.920> to<00:14:34.240> inform<00:14:35.160>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met on February 11 and began with introductions from members and staff, who shared brief personal and district facts. Chair Jim Nash then outlined the committee’s goals for the session, emphasizing bipartisan cooperation, the need to address a looming structural deficit, and the committee’s role in moving legislation forward. The committee also reviewed its rules for the year. The main item was House File 3, authored by Chair Nash and referred to Ways and Means. The bill would require the Office of the Legislative Auditor to produce an annual report tracking whether agencies have implemented prior audit and evaluation recommendations, with the goal of improving internal controls, transparency, and accountability and helping legislators make funding decisions. Nash described the bill as a preventative measure to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse, and said it was modeled in part on practices used in Colorado. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall testified that the office already produces similar update reports but lacks resources to independently verify many agency responses; she said the bill would provide a framework for more regular reporting and discussion, not a “shame tool.” Ranna Lee of Americans for Prosperity testified in support, saying the bill would increase accountability and transparency for how public agencies manage taxpayer resources. A letter from the Minnesota Council on Nonprofits was also noted in support. Representative Clardy offered the A7 amendment to add an appropriation matching the fiscal note; Nash accepted it, saying savings could be found later in the process. The committee approved the A7 amendment by voice vote. During discussion, Representative Quam supported the bill’s focus on accountability, and Representative Freiberg questioned the Legislative Auditor about the office’s expertise on a specific ambulance-services recommendation in the report. Randall responded that the office’s staff are policy research generalists who use standards, best practices, interviews, surveys, and site visits to develop recommendations, and that the goal is to prompt further discussion rather than require blind acceptance. The transcript ends during that exchange, with no final committee vote on House File 3 shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I<01:14:24.560> I<01:14:24.639> was<01:14:24.800> kind<01:14:25.199>
• 01:14:29.040> kind<01:14:29.159> of<01:14:29.280> the<01:14:29.400> more
• 01:14:34.600> is<01:14:34.679> it<01:14:34.880> because<01:14:35.159> the
• thing<01:14:36.040> is<01:14:36.199> new<01:14:36.560> that<01:14:36.679> it
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Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session continued its review of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Medicaid budget and related policy issues, with CFO Nathan White and Medicaid Director Henry Litman presenting updated materials. The discussion focused on a crosswalk between the adjusted FY 2025 Medicaid budget and the governor’s FY 2026 recommendation, plus handouts showing service additions, eligibility changes, dental rates, and other Medicaid changes since 2019. The department also said it would provide a clearer breakdown of the pharmacy cost-sharing item by general, federal, and other funds. Members asked detailed questions about the Medicaid enhancement tax, the 80% plan, and how funds are allocated between hospital payments, directed payments, and DSH uncompensated care. The department explained that the MET is being used more toward rates and directed payments to better align with federal matching rules, while DSH remains important for uncompensated care. They also noted that a pending Senate Bill 249 would keep the 80% structure and move to Senate Finance. On the trigger law, the department identified the governing provision as Chapter 342:12, Laws of 2018, and explained that if the federal match for Medicaid expansion falls below 90%, the state must notify legislative leaders and participants and the program would sunset after 180 days unless the legislature acts. The committee also reviewed current Medicaid expansion enrollment and program trends. Officials said enrollment was just under 59,000 as of March 3, with about 87,000 people enrolled over the past year and more than a quarter-million residents having used the program over its lifetime. They said enrollment has fallen from a post-pandemic high of nearly 97,000 and may eventually settle in the low 50,000s. Finally, the department discussed federal DSH funding risk, saying New Hampshire could face a significant reduction if Congress does not extend current protections, which is part of why the state has shifted more funding toward payment rates and directed payments.