Transcript Highlights:

• And we know there’s great fraud that goes on in Medicare and Medicaid.
• There's a certain reporting bill by a senator on this panel.
• of abuse cases are being reported, and they would...
• There being six ayes, three nays, Senate Bill 128 is favorably reported.
• Finally, Senate Bill 425 adds data reporting requirements related to reports of abuse and neglect investigations

Bills: HB136, HB451, SB425, SB466, SB905, SB1986, SB2311, SB2450, SB2805, SB2826, SB2919, SB3001

Keywords: Medicaid, lactation, healthcare, consultation, reimbursement, maternal health, infant care, commercial sexual exploitation, child sex trafficking, human trafficking, child welfare, foster care, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, juvenile probation, risk assessment, needs assessment, trauma screening, child abuse prevention, exploitation screening

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and announced it would vote on pending bills at 10:30, with public testimony limited to two minutes. It first took up Senate Bill 905, a TDLR cleanup bill on licensing regulation of speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Senator Zafferini said the committee substitute would streamline advisory board consultation, remove obsolete provisional licenses, and allow any licensed physician to authorize hearing instruments for minors; the substitute was adopted and the bill left pending. The committee then heard House Bill 451, which would require universal screening for commercial sexual exploitation risk for children in DFPS conservatorship and youth under TJJD jurisdiction. The author and witnesses from Children at Risk, the Fort Bend Anti-Trafficking Collective, and Texas CASA supported the bill as a prevention tool with existing infrastructure and training; the committee adopted the substitute and left the bill pending. The committee next considered Senate Bill 466, which would clarify that families may request a fetal death certificate at any gestational age, while keeping existing filing requirements for physicians. A constituent father testified about losing his 11-week-old daughter and being told he could not obtain a certificate, which he said prevented funeral arrangements; the substitute was adopted and the bill left pending. Senate Bill 2311 followed, requiring residential treatment centers to have a written agreement with the school that will educate resident children before becoming operational. The author cited a local dispute where an RTC and school district lacked communication, and witnesses from Texas CASA and Disability Rights Texas supported clearer educational planning while suggesting the Education Code may need conforming changes; the bill was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2826, known as Alyssa’s Law, which would create a statewide education program on medical child abuse for medical students, health care professionals, and CPS caseworkers. The author and Sheriff Bill Weyburn described Alyssa’s case as involving repeated unnecessary surgeries and argued the bill would improve awareness and early identification, while several witnesses and members raised concerns about false accusations, impacts on medically fragile children, and the need for scientific, peer-reviewed training and safeguards. After extensive discussion, the chair left the bill pending. The committee also heard House Bill 136, which would add certified lactation consultants as Medicaid providers to expand breastfeeding support; witnesses from lactation and nutrition fields said the bill would improve access, maternal and infant health, and long-term savings, and the bill was left pending. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 2805, a surprise-billing/arbitration measure that would clarify provider identifiers and shift arbitration costs to the losing party. The author said the substitute was a legislative counsel draft with no substantive difference, and witnesses from the Texas Medical Association, Texas Society of Anesthesiologists, and U.S. Anesthesia Partners supported the bill as a modest improvement that would reduce administrative confusion and make arbitration fairer without weakening patient protections. Members discussed how arbitration costs affect settlement behavior and how to define the “winner” in close cases. The bill was heard but not voted out during this segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• On the subject of waste, fraud, and abuse.
• Now granted most people and I have not even heard this from my colleagues, that fraud was provider fraud
• That was provider fraud. So I am all about addressing waste, abuse, and fraud.
• Does that sound like Medicare fraud to you?
• money, because most of us aren't thinking about fraud, so you're not very good at detecting fraud. detecting

Keywords: Michael Falkender, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, IRS, taxpayer privacy, nomination process, committee hearing

Summary: The committee convened to discuss critical issues surrounding the nomination of Michael Falkender for the position of Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. This meeting included a series of remarks from committee members who expressed divergent views on Falkender's qualifications and the implications of his appointment. Senator Wyden voiced strong opposition, arguing that Falkender represents harmful policies expected to be perpetuated under the current administration, especially concerning taxpayer privacy and IRS tactics. Meanwhile, other members defended Falkender, noting his extensive experience, including a commitment to transparency in government operations if confirmed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um if fraud that we saw more recently.
• , capacities, if you care about fraud, capacities, if you care about fraud, this<00:42:29.839>
• And I discover and even recoup fraud.
• and recommended by the Omali report and recommended by the Omali<00:47:56.880> report<00:47:57.119
• I think we, you know, we take tax fraud very seriously.

Bills: HF4119, HF3959, HF3792, HF3913, HF3752

Keywords: property tax, renter credits, co-pay, housing affordability, tax relief, homestead, tax refund, Minnesota, tax increase, financial relief, homeowners, AmeriCorps, taxation, individual income tax, living allowances, stipends, national service, tax compliance, revenue, analytics

Transcript Highlights:

• on student outcomes; however, that data is limited to just aggregate-level reporting.
• Reported to us by our UC and CSU colleagues.
• This would be one of the explanations for the late reporting. why there was this kind of late reporting
• This creates fraud in our community colleges.
• With trying to recover from fraud? That is such a good question.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair moves that House Bill 2217 be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do
• House Bill 2217 will be reported to the full Senate with a favorable recommendation.
• This change aligns with current Texas law and other venue statutes in place for crimes such as fraud,
• House Bill 2594 will be reported to the full Senate with a favorable recommendation.
• House Bill 2594 will be reported to the full Senate with a favorable recommendation.

Bills: HB2217

Keywords: law enforcement, bullet-resistant, grant program, safety equipment, peace officers

Summary: The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice met and considered two House bills. HB 2217 would create a grant program to help local law enforcement agencies equip patrol vehicles with bullet-resistant components such as windshields, side doors, and windows. Senator Hagenbuch explained that the measure is intended to improve officer safety in light of shootings through patrol car glass, and no invited or public testimony was offered. The committee voted 6-0 to report HB 2217 favorably to the full Senate and also recommended it for the open uncontested calendar. The committee then took up HB 2594, with Senator Creighton explaining that it updates venue rules for cybercrime and related theft cases involving intangible property such as cryptocurrency, online fraud, and intellectual property theft. The bill would allow prosecution in the county where the victim resides, where the defendant is apprehended, or where the defendant is extradited to, giving prosecutors more flexibility when crimes cross county lines. No questions or testimony were offered. The committee voted 6-0 to report HB 2594 favorably to the full Senate. It was also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. After completing its business, the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Plus, when it comes to fighting fraud in Minnesota, this year is different.
• grants if a newly proposed anti-fraud grants if a newly proposed anti-fraud bill<00:09:53.280>
• Your bill is just one of several aimed at combating fraud this session.
• Your bill is just one of several aimed at combating fraud this session.
• <00:25:49.000> They're a little box for fraud. They're a little box for fraud.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The segment focused heavily on affordability and fraud prevention in the Minnesota Senate. Senator Michael Kreun discussed his proposal to cap city and county property tax growth at the rate of inflation, with a small allowance for population growth, and to require voter approval by referendum for increases above the cap. He said property taxes rose by nearly $1 billion statewide last year, blamed part of the increase on unfunded state mandates, and said the bill would curb surprise double-digit hikes. Kreun said the proposal has been well received by constituents and homeowners, while cities and counties are concerned about losing revenue; he also said relief could begin as soon as the next property tax statement if the bill passes this year. He noted related affordability ideas, including increasing disabled-veteran exemptions and deferring property taxes for seniors, and said he is open to bipartisan work on other measures such as ending taxes on tips and overtime and reducing tab fees. The program also highlighted climate and infrastructure funding. Senator Ann Johnson Stewart argued that worsening weather is driving costly infrastructure damage and said a proposed climate superfund would shift some of those costs from taxpayers to major polluters. She said the fund could support storm sewer upgrades, pavement reinforcement, and erosion prevention, and noted that Senate File 4126 is awaiting a hearing in the Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy Committee. On fraud prevention, Senator Julia Coleman’s bipartisan bill would require at least one unannounced, on-site inspection for state grants over $10,000, with recurring check-ins for grants lasting more than a year. The bill is pending in the Senate State and Local Government Committee. Senator Heather Gustafson then discussed her push for an independent Office of Inspector General, saying it would provide oversight over any public or private entity receiving public dollars. She said the Senate previously backed the idea with 60 votes, that the governor’s coordinated council is only an interim step, and that she has not yet seen a Republican fraud package to review. The segment also noted that the Senate unanimously passed Senator Johnson Stewart’s school bus safety bill, Senate File 3623, by a 67-0 vote, clarifying that drivers must stop when school bus lights flash even if the stop arm is only partially extended; the bill now awaits House action.

Transcript Highlights:

• and report them when they're stolen. stolen. stolen.
• In February, I introduced a comprehensive anti-fraud package that we began to implement, a nine-part
• If you're taking fraud seriously, take your responsibility seriously and pass legislation to stop it.
• statewide fraud prevention efforts. statewide fraud prevention efforts.
• <00:58:36.800> your taking fraud seriously, take your taking fraud seriously, take your responsibility

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The joint convention opened with the House and Senate assembling, a prayer by Reverend Mariah Furness-Tollgard, and roll call establishing a quorum. The chamber then welcomed the Minnesota Supreme Court, constitutional officers, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, and Governor Tim Walz before the governor delivered his final State of the State address. The convention later adjourned by motion. In his address, Governor Walz reflected on recent tragedies and political violence, including the deaths of Melissa and Mark Hortman, the Annunciation Church shooting, and the federal immigration operation he described as causing fear and disruption. He said Minnesota remained strong because of its people and highlighted accomplishments over the past seven years, especially in education, child care, free school meals, workforce development, housing, infrastructure, clean energy, climate initiatives, reproductive freedom, LGBTQ protections, voting rights, workers’ rights, paid family leave, and public safety measures. Walz also proposed new actions for the current session, including a significant expansion of the dependent care tax credit, a $907 million bonding bill, support for sustainable aviation fuel, a social media tax on big tech companies, a governor’s council on the future of the AI economy, additional gun violence prevention measures, and a stronger anti-fraud and human services oversight system. He urged legislators to pass the fraud and oversight bills and said he would sign them immediately. The House then voted to adjourn until April 30, 2026, after the joint convention ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said every week or every other week there's a new reported case of fraud or mismanagement or not turning
• He said we have $600 million in counting and reported fraud.
• reported counting and reported fraud.<01:22:18.719> We<01:22:18.960> have<01:22:19.040
• The secretary will report the amendment. The secretary will report the A32. A32. A32.
• secretary will report the A11 amendment. secretary will report the A11 amendment.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:01.760> we're that fraud, the type of fraud we're that fraud, the type of fraud we're
• Fraud is rampant right now.
• It's all anti-fraud pretty much. Yeah, it does center around anti-fraud.
• through legislative report request. through legislative report request.
• reports going all the way back to 2010. reports going all the way back to 2010.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:40.000> rather cost-effective to prevent fraud rather cost-effective to prevent fraud
• , to do to try to stop the fraud, to do to try to stop the fraud, and<00:14:24.360> it's<00
• for fraud for fraud coming<00:15:32.560> out<00:15:32.640> of<00:15:32.680> this
• They’re sick of the fraud.
• They're sick of the fraud. They're sick of the fraud.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um of the report uh in your information.
• agency annual financial report, and then there are a bunch of other legislatively required reports.
• . legislatively required reports.
• ripe for fraud. ripe for fraud.
• This isn't, I mean, fraud isn't usually about a real family that committed fraud and we're trying to

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The first reg change is for the financial disclosure reporting that's required.
• <00:04:38.479> um reporting to receive their state aid. um reporting to receive their state
• >> fraud >> fraud >> election<00:21:15.919> fraud.
• >> election fraud. >> election fraud.
• dealing with elections, election fraud dealing with elections, election fraud should<00:21:22.240

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:03 Roll Call 00:00:10 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations 00:02:21 Discussion of the Restoration of Voting Rights 00:06:34 Discussion of the Application of NTI Days for Schools Designated by County Clerks as Polling Locations for Elections 00:25:20 Approval of Minutes from July 29, 2025 Meeting 00:32:22 Adjournment 00:32:49, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up two fire commission regulatory amendments. Bruce Roberts, director of the Fire Commission, explained that one amendment updates financial disclosure reporting rules to align with changes to KRS 95A.55, including revised definitions, reporting requirements, and moving compliance reviews from every four years to an annual basis. The second amendment changes the deadline for fire departments to submit state aid documentation from July 31 to September and adds flexibility for departments affected by natural disasters by allowing a waiver process for missing, lost, or damaged documents. The committee approved the agency amendment by motion, second, and voice vote with no opposition. The main policy discussion centered on a proposed constitutional amendment to restore voting rights for people convicted of felonies after they complete their sentence and probation/parole. Senators Hickden and Herren said the proposal would restore only voting rights, not citizenship or the right to run for office, and would still exclude certain offenses such as treason, bribery in an election, sex offenses, violent offenses, and offenses against a child. They argued that Kentucky is one of only three states without automatic restoration, that the current governor’s executive order is temporary, and that the issue should be settled by constitutional amendment. Members asked about the relationship to expungement, costs, and whether election-related crimes should be included among the exceptions; the sponsors said expungement is separate and that they were open to refining the language. Several members voiced support, and the sponsors said they hoped to continue working on the proposal before the next session. The committee also discussed a practical issue involving schools used as polling places and conflicts with KDE testing days. The chair raised the possibility of adjusting testing schedules or using NI days at affected schools, while members noted that county clerks already have authority to use tax-funded buildings for elections and that schools have long been used because of ADA accessibility. Some members suggested a simpler fix would be to prevent KDE testing dates from overlapping with election dates, rather than changing NI-day rules or limiting clerks’ authority. The committee then approved the minutes and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm sorry, within the, um, within the agency fraud unit that investigates insurance fraud.
• So when we Carriers suspect that there is fraud happening.
• They have a duty and a requirement under the insurance code to report that fraud to to TDI, and we will
• the required reporting to the comptroller.
• We report, um, our FTEs, uh, we report the breakdown of our FTEs. I believe that's requested.

Transcript Highlights:

• misclassification fraud.
• misclassification fraud.
• misclassification fraud.
• misclassification fraud.
• misclassification fraud.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That is like judging the entire pharmacy sector by a handful of fraud cases.
• That is like judging the entire pharmacy sector by a handful of fraud cases.
• That is like judging the entire pharmacy sector by a handful of fraud cases.
• That is like judging the entire pharmacy sector by a handful of fraud cases.
• A report has already been provided to the legislature as required.

Bills: HCR92, HCR46, HCR172, HCR147, HCR112, HCR100, HR84, HR42, HR139, HR104, HR92

Keywords: automated external defibrillator, AED, cardiac arrest, state buildings, health education, public health, lifeguards, first responders, public safety, ocean safety, emergency response, Hawaii, workers' compensation, auditor, procurement audit, compliance, Department of Human Resources Development, transparency, accountability, medical care

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:04:00.920> waste audits Financial Integrity fraud waste audits Financial Integrity fraud
• First, fraud, waste and abuse.
• an example of some of the types of investigations we do around fraud, waste and abuse.
• First, fraud, waste and abuse.
• First, fraud, waste and abuse.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: Finance Division 3 met for a work session on House Bill 519, which concerns funding for Waypoint. The chair noted general support for the organization but said the bill would likely need to be suspended and folded into the budget process because the committee did not yet know available revenues or what amount, if any, could be committed. Kya Fox, director of the Division for Behavioral Health, testified that the department supports the bill and the program, explaining that it had been funded with other available funds, including $100,000 for 2024 and $400,000 for 2025, under a contract running through June 30 of this year. She said the shelter serves a unique population of young adults and is part of the department’s children’s system of care and Mission Zero efforts to reduce barriers to psychiatric discharge and emergency department use. Members questioned Fox and Waypoint representatives about the budget placement of the request, the difference between the efficiency budget and prioritized needs, and whether state budget documents would show any internal Waypoint revenues. Fox said the request appears as a general fund item and that the state would not see Waypoint’s internal financial operations in the budget. A legislative member explained that prioritized needs are critical services already in place but not necessarily included in the efficiency budget, and another member said the distinction is not strictly applied. The committee also raised a separate question about how DHHS would handle any future state or federal restrictions on DEI practices; Fox said that was a question for department leadership and legal staff, but that the department follows state law and contract requirements. Waypoint CEO Bor Alvare and Director Mandy Lancaster then described the shelter and related services. They said the shelter serves ages 18 to 24, is a 14-bed open-room facility with half walls, and is staffed overnight by two full-time workers. They said admission is first come, first served, with some vulnerability factors considered, and that they do not discriminate by race, gender, or sexual orientation. They reported no known incidents of sexual violence, though some youth are turned away each night because the shelter is full. They also explained that Waypoint provides broader services beyond the shelter, including outreach, drop-in centers, housing support, rental assistance, and family mediation, and said they serve about 400 youth and young adults in Manchester alone. The discussion ended with questions about whether lowering the upper age limit would affect the program; Waypoint said most residents are already in the 18-to-23 range, but that housing shortages make the current age span important for helping young adults avoid chronic homelessness.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Medicaid work reporting requirements. of Medicaid work reporting requirements.
• what is reflected in this report. what is reflected in this report.
• the governor speak about fraud, I've heard the other leaders of the Democratic Party speak about fraud
• , heard the governor speak about fraud, heard the governor speak about fraud, I've<01:34:44.320><
• ,<01:34:48.160> uh Democratic Party speak about fraud, uh Democratic Party speak about fraud

Bills: HF3425

Keywords: supportive housing, grants, housing assistance, funding, Minnesota Statutes, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Article 2 is the education excellence article, and section 1 requires the commissioner to report language
• It's just one section instructing the reviser to renumber a subdivision on public account and reporting
• Section 4 modifies a reporting requirement. for the teacher mentorship and retention program.
• It modifies the definition of abuse, defines excluded, and modifies the definition of fraud, providing
• Section 16 modifies a reporting requirement for the teacher preparation grant program, and Section 17

Bills: HF1306

Keywords: education, school policy, teacher training, student health, emergency response

Transcript Highlights:

• There's also reporting that indicates the device itself is used to determine pricing.
• There have been claims of fraud, and some of the fraud is about how the gift card was issued at the point
• If this indeed is a secure, limited system that is protected from fraud, that's fine.
• In our latest report card, most companies received D's and F's.
• Voluntary self-regulation has failed, as our report card shows.

Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to privacy, consumer protection, and online harms. SB 259 by Senator Wahab would prohibit surveillance pricing based on device data such as geolocation or battery level; supporters argued it would curb discriminatory and predatory pricing, while opponents raised concerns about geolocation definitions, legitimate location-based pricing, and impacts on discounts and loyalty programs. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to the Judiciary Committee and passed 8-1, with members noting amendments and ongoing discussions with stakeholders. SB 22 by Senator Laird would raise the amount of gift cards that can be redeemed for cash, with the author saying the goal is to update the long-standing $10 threshold for inflation and preserve consumer value. Consumer advocates supported the bill, while retailers, restaurants, grocers, and chambers of commerce opposed or opposed unless amended, citing fraud concerns, safety issues, and the need for clarification on donated or returned gift cards. The committee voted the bill out on a 6-1 vote and kept it on call. SB 576 by Senator Umberg would apply broadcast-style loudness rules to streaming advertisements. The author said the bill is intended to prevent ads from being much louder than programming, especially for children, while the opposition argued that streaming ad insertion is technically different and that existing industry standards and FCC oversight already address the issue. The bill passed 8-0. SB 683 by Senator Cortese would clarify that people can seek injunctive relief, including a TRO, for unauthorized use of name, image, or likeness; supporters said it strengthens privacy protections, while opponents warned about prior restraint and First Amendment concerns. The bill was moved out on a due pass motion and kept on call. The final bill discussed, SB 771 by Senator Stern, would clarify that existing civil rights and hate-related laws apply to social media platforms and their algorithms, with higher penalties for intentional or reckless violations. Supporters, including the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Islamic Networks Group, described online hate as fueling real-world violence and urged stronger accountability; opponents argued the bill could conflict with Section 230, chill lawful speech, and create vague standards. Members raised questions about constitutionality, definitions, and whether the bill would be workable, but several expressed support for the author’s goals.

Transcript Highlights:

• that in their annual report. that in their annual report.
• like identity theft or welfare fraud like identity theft or welfare fraud cases?
• Welfare fraud, or like public benefits fraud, basically.
• Um those are three fraud basically.
• fraud. Um, of course, wage theft is like fraud.

Keywords: 1183, house