Transcript Highlights:

• The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services will come to order.
• So with that, I'd like to ask Kendall Kelly to come up and present the Health and Human Services...
• Kelly to come up and present the Health and Human Services budget, and she is the Health and Human Services
• Joining me today are the agency heads for the Governor's Health and Human Services agencies who will
• Health and Human Services continues to be the largest portion of the overall budget, with $48.5 billion

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard a presentation on the governor’s proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget for the health and human services silo, which totals $48.5 billion. Agency leaders outlined major requests for AHCA, APD, DCF, DOEA, DOH, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, including behavioral health redesign, Medicaid rate changes, developmental disability services, child welfare and opioid programs, senior services, cancer research, public health initiatives, and veterans’ facility and technology needs. The committee also received an overview of the overall state budget, which was described as $117.4 billion, up 1.1% from the current year. AHCA’s presentation focused on $71.6 million for a Medicaid behavioral health redesign, including funding for residential treatment, a serious mental illness waiver, and higher inpatient psychiatric rates for youth, plus $7.1 million to raise private duty nursing reimbursement in fee-for-service Medicaid, $2.5 million for the background screening clearinghouse, and $124.4 million for the Health Care Connection System (FX). APD requested funding to continue moving people off the pre-enrollment list and to support developmental disability centers, a new forensic facility, an electronic health record system, and higher operating costs. DCF highlighted $81.9 million for eligibility and system integrity, $187.5 million for opioid prevention and treatment, $35.5 million for community-based care lead agencies, and $72.7 million to expand behavioral health bed capacity, including 474 new beds at state hospitals. DOEA sought additional funding for Alzheimer’s services, home care, and community care for the elderly. DOH emphasized $278 million for cancer research and innovation, $5 million for food and product safety testing, $5 million for the Florida FIRST blood-on-ambulance initiative, and $5.7 million for a public lab feasibility study. Veterans Affairs requested funds for facility improvements, cybersecurity, and medication management equipment. Members asked detailed questions about several items, especially the proposed changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), which would reduce eligibility and the number of people served. Senators and public witnesses criticized the lack of transparency and urged the department to pause the changes and work with stakeholders; the Surgeon General said the issue was driven by funding constraints and federal changes, not a legal barrier, and that the agency was exploring alternatives. Questions also addressed the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, the Kids Care/CHIP expansion implementation, the cancer research funding structure, and the timeline and cost of the FX system. Public testimony focused heavily on ADAP, with speakers warning that thousands could lose medication access and calling for community involvement and a review of the program’s finances. The committee adjourned after the presentations and questions, with no votes taken on the budget items during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• on stolen performances, jeopardizes jobs and devalues human artistry.
• on stolen performances, jeopardizes jobs and devalues human artistry.
• These audio-only listeners have no idea if they're listening to a human or a synthetic voice.
• These audio-only listeners have no idea if they're listening to a human or a synthetic voice.
• Yeah, I think everybody wants to know the distinction between techno talent and human talent.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism heard several bills focused on California’s creative economy, sports development, and cultural preservation. SB 226 by Senator Cabaldon would clarify that infrastructure revitalization financing districts may be used for entertainment and sports facilities, with testimony from West Sacramento officials emphasizing that the tool would rely only on project-generated city tax increment and would not affect school districts, counties, or the General Fund. Members discussed the relationship between IRFDs and EIFDs and the distinction between infrastructure financing and direct subsidy of private sports teams or stadiums. SB 865 by Senator Ashby proposed support for destination music festivals, citing the economic impact of events such as Aftershock and Golden Sky in Sacramento and similar festivals elsewhere in the state. Supporters from Visit Sacramento and Danny Wimmer Presents said festivals generate substantial jobs, tax revenue, and tourism spending while promoters bear the financial risk. Several committee members and public witnesses supported the bill as a way to sustain the creative economy, local businesses, and opportunities for artists. The bill passed the committee on a unanimous vote and was sent to Appropriations. SB 1050 by Senator Ashby would require disclosures when synthetic performers are used in advertisements, including audio ads, to inform consumers and protect human performers from displacement. SAG-AFTRA and voice actor advocates argued that consumers deserve to know when an ad uses AI-generated likenesses or voices, while TechNet, the Motion Picture Association, broadcasters, and other industry groups opposed unless amended, raising concerns about overbreadth, audio-only implementation, private enforcement, and the need for clearer exemptions and definitions. Members generally supported the bill’s goal but noted technical issues to refine; it passed unanimously to Judiciary. SB 1073 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would create a voluntary tax checkoff to support the South Los Angeles Black Cultural District. Supporters described the district’s historic and cultural significance and framed the measure as a way to help preserve Black cultural assets amid limited public funding. Members discussed how the checkoff would appear on tax forms statewide, its voluntary nature, and whether it could serve as a model for other districts. The bill also passed unanimously to Appropriations, and the committee later adopted the consent calendar unanimously as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• Help these your servants to recognize our common humanity and our true identity as brothers and sisters
• It transferred programs from the Departments of Human Services, Education, and Public Safety.
• It's one of the few things they can do to help us fight human trafficking. That's the bill.
• It's one of the few things they can do to help us fight human trafficking. That's the bill.
• do to help us fight uh human do to help us fight uh human trafficking.<00:22:34.640> That's

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One thing I'll say about scheduling and veterinary medicine: unlike human medicine, which is done for
• One thing I'll say about scheduling and veterinary medicine, unlike human medicine, which is done for
• the, unlike human medicine, which has done for the vast majority, sort of bedside, if you would, or
• It's not approved for human use, yes, and so the same way that xylazine is not approved for human use
• medicine and then also substances that are only vet medicine, not human medicine?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The working group on best practices for oversight and enforcement met for its first session and focused on xylazine, including its legal veterinary uses, its appearance in the illicit drug supply, and whether it should be classified as a controlled substance. Members discussed the distinction between pharmaceutical-grade and non-pharmaceutical-grade xylazine, the role of international/illicit sourcing, and the limits of state-level regulation if the substance is already being added to fentanyl or other drugs outside the Commonwealth. The Department of Public Health representative summarized the agency’s view that scheduling xylazine could follow the “ironclad law of prohibition” and push the market toward other, potentially worse substances, and said DPH opposed straight scheduling in favor of education, support, and harm-reduction approaches. Veterinary members explained how xylazine is used in large-animal and research settings, why it is useful, and why federal-style scheduling could create practical burdens for veterinarians who work in the field. They also described reversal agents such as yohimbine and atipamezole (Antisedan), and noted that xylazine is not commonly used in small-animal practice. Several members raised questions about how much xylazine is actually used legally in Massachusetts, whether boards of pharmacy or distributors could provide useful data, and what other states have done. Arizona and Florida were mentioned as possible examples for further research, along with the need to examine stakeholder opposition and any effects on legitimate veterinary practice. The group agreed to divide into two subgroups: one focused on oversight and regulation of production/distribution, and another on whether xylazine should be classified as a controlled substance and what penalties, if any, should apply. Staff said they would circulate notes, a draft PowerPoint template, and a shared folder, with members asked to submit materials by December 2, draft materials due December 4, and final approval by December 9 ahead of the next public meeting on December 11. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, a second, and unanimous closure.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 59, a bill increasing the penalty for a second-degree felony resulting in the death of a human
• House Bill 59, a bill increasing the penalty for a second degree felony resulting in the death of a human
• The penalty for a second-degree felony resulting in the death of a human being.
• Number 11, it is order printed and referred to the House Health and Human Services Committee, thence
• 21, removed from the House Rules Committee, ordered printed, and referred to the House Health and Human

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for the buyer, it instead created this other layer where it's under 16 or over 16 and a victim of human
• But, again, you're automatically a victim of human trafficking if you're under 18 and bought for sex.
• Let's believe in the good, in the humanity of each and every person on this floor, and let's start from
• There are going to be situations where absolutely there's human trafficking involved, or a John taking
• California is a hotbed for child exploitation, for human trafficking. and we must do more to deliver

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I call the Human Services, Finance, and Policy Committee to order.
• And it includes a couple of additions to budget proposals from the Department of Human Services.
• includes the addition of House File 2299 from Representative Beerman related to mental feeding. of Human
• Services to make the housing of Human Services to make the housing support<00:02:09.679> language
• And it includes the Human Services.

Bills: HF2434

Keywords: healthcare, personal care assistance, worker retention, disability services, state funding, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and tasted human blood.
• <00:02:55.920> and the dogs knowing it attacked a human and the dogs knowing it attacked a
• human and tasted<00:02:56.560> human tasted human tasted human blood<00:02:59.000> these
• That's essential to humanity, and what is the function of coconut?
• That's essential to humanity, and what is the function of coconut?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard two measures relating to dogs and coconut trees. On SB 301 SD1, which would add penalties for dog owners whose dogs destroy property on land zoned for a use, testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Ranchers, farmers, and other testifiers described dogs attacking livestock, trespassing on property, and in some cases injuring people and killing goats or chickens. Several speakers urged stronger penalties, owner accountability, and in some cases insurance requirements. The Hawaii Farm Bureau also supported the bill, saying it would strengthen existing law and help protect agricultural producers. The committee noted there were 13 testimonies in support, none opposed, and no comments. The committee then heard SB 1582, which recognizes the coconut palm as an official sustainable staple food source in the state. Testimony was uniformly supportive from DLNR, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Niu Now, and individual speakers who described the cultural, spiritual, and practical importance of niu/coconut in Hawaiian life, as well as its value as a food source and the need to protect it from the coconut rhinoceros beetle. Several speakers also emphasized biosecurity and continued funding for invasive species control. The committee stated there were 20 testimonies in support, none opposed, and no comments. In decision making, the committee recommended both measures be passed as is. SB 301 SD1 was adopted with four votes in favor and one no vote. SB 1582 was adopted unanimously, with five votes in favor.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have an obligation as just humanity, and people in that humanity, to call out evil when we see
• True to the truth of history of what happened, how humanity can be so cruel to each other.
• And we should treat every person, every human being with dignity and respect. So thank you, Dr.
• And it brings back how humans could be to others.
• It becomes something that really occurred to our fellow human beings all those decades ago.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard the daily invocation, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a House message announcing passage of H.C.R. 54, which authorizes the legislature to adjourn for more than three days during a specified period. The chamber then took up several recognitions, including Senate Resolution 8 honoring Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants Advocacy Day, a recognition of the Texas A&M University System Chancellor’s Student Advisory Council, a delegation from Dimmit County, and the doctor of the day, Dr. Hosey Hinojosa. The main floor business centered on Senate Resolution 15, commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the start of Texas Holocaust Remembrance Week. Senators King, Menendez, Bettencourt, Perry, Hughes, Hinojosa, Campbell, Hall, Cook, Paxton, West, Parker, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Holocaust history, the rise of anti-Semitism, the importance of education, and solidarity with Israel. The resolution was adopted without objection, and Senator Bettencourt moved to add all senators’ names. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 17, recognizing Sexual Assault Survivors Day, with remarks focused on the prevalence of sexual violence, underreporting, support for survivors, and the need for prevention and stronger systems of response. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 14 in memory of Brazoria County Sheriff’s Deputy Jesse Vargas, who was killed in the line of duty, with Senators Middleton and Huffman highlighting his service and using the occasion to call for tougher measures against violent offenders. Additional resolutions SR 3, SR 4, SR 5, SR 6, SR 7, SR 11, and SR 12 were adopted together, and SR 54 granting permission for adjournment for more than three days was approved by a 31-0 roll call vote. The chamber also recognized Leadership Frisco Class No. 28 and later honored former Senator Dr. Joe J. Bernal and, upon adjournment, Sergeant Mark Allen Butler of the Navasota Police Department. The Senate adjourned until 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in memory of Deputy Vargas and Sergeant Butler.

Transcript Highlights:

• the regulation of tobacco products and tobacco substitutes, and commit the same to the Committee on Human
• ><00:02:09.800> the<00:02:09.920> Committee<00:02:10.320> on<00:02:10.520> Human
• the same to the Committee on Human the same to the Committee on Human Services.
• <00:02:29.959> Are to the Committee on Human Services.
• Are to the Committee on Human Services.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a moment of silence and handled several bill referrals and procedural matters. House Bill 957, relating to amendments to the charter of the town of Williston, received first reading and was referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs. Senate Bill 255, establishing a pilot law enforcement government’s council in Windham County, was referred to Ways and Means under House Rule 35A because it materially affects municipal revenue. The House also noted that Senate Bill 198, on regulation of tobacco products and tobacco substitutes, had been reported favorably with amendment by Commerce and Economic Development. The chamber then suspended rules to take up Senate Bill 198 and committed it to the Committee on Human Services pending its entry on the notice calendar. The House also adopted in concurrence Joint Senate Resolution 49, setting weekend adjournment so that when the two houses adjourn on Friday, April 17, 2026, they must reconvene no later than Tuesday, April 21, 2026. During consideration of Senate Bill 218, relating to reducing chloride contamination of state waters, Representative Boutin offered a floor amendment aimed at strengthening municipal liability protections for towns participating in salt-reduction efforts. Supporters said the existing affirmative defense was too weak and could leave municipalities exposed to negligence claims despite their efforts to reduce salt use. Opponents, including members speaking for Judiciary and House Environment, argued the issue was legally complex, involved tort and insurance questions, and needed more vetting than a floor amendment; they also said the current bill already supports municipalities through certification and best-management-practices provisions. Both committees reported the amendment unfavorable, with Judiciary citing a 7-3-1 vote and House Environment a 10-1-0 vote. The session ended with announcements recognizing guests in the gallery and a notice that House Democrats would caucus in Room 11, while Republicans and Progressives would not, followed by a recess until the gavel fell again.

Transcript Highlights:

• To Human Services. H639. To Human Services. H640. To Commerce and Economic Development. H641.
• To Human Services. H658. To Human Services. H659. To Human Services. H660. To Human Services.
• >> H657 >> H657 >> H657 >> to<00:03:08.560> human<00:03:08.959> services
• >> to human services. >> to human services.
• >> H658 >> H658 >> H658 >> to<00:03:11.280> human<00:03:11.599> services

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a moment of silence, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the introduction of 23 House bills by number only after suspending the rules. Members then made several announcements, including birthday recognition for a member from Derby, a farm-to-school and universal school meals observance highlighting local agriculture, school nutrition, and five years of universal school meals, and welcomes for guests including the Garvey family, who were connected to legislation that became H.613. Additional announcements noted upcoming caucus meetings for Working Vermonters, Vermont’s economy, the rural caucus, and House Progressives, along with a reminder that a House photo and workplace training would follow adjournment. On the action calendar, the House took up H.28, relating to adding an affirmation option to oath requirements in titles 1 through 10 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated. The bill was read a third time and passed on voice vote. The chamber then considered H.409, relating to procedures for bail revocation. Representative Goodnau of Brattleboro offered an amendment, which was adopted on voice vote, and the amended bill was then read a third time and passed on voice vote. The discussion on H.409 referenced a Judiciary Committee straw poll and described the amendment as making the bill a more accurate reflection of its purpose. After completing the day’s orders, members made final caucus and scheduling announcements. The House Democrats and House Republicans said they would not caucus that day, while House Progressives announced a noon meeting in Room 44. The House then voted to adjourn until Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 3:00 p.m., with the motion approved by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Item 20 Amendment 2 Rider 40, Health and Human Services Commission Partnership is adopted.
• That's the Health and Human.
• If you'll turn with me to page 27, we'll begin with the Health and Human Services Commission.
• That concludes the Health and Human Services Commission Agency.
• Universities that had Health and Human Service, health related issues. OK.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Transcript Highlights:

• What are we talking about that can destroy the human race? What can you prevent? Do you know that?
• Those are horrific events in real life, human life, but...
• What are we talking about that can destroy the human range? scenario projecting here.
• What are we talking about that can destroy the human race, can go do?
• Those are horrific events in world life, human life. but ...events in world life, human life.

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee heard SB 53 by Senator Wiener after the bill was substantially amended on the floor and referred back under Assembly Rule 77.2. The author explained that the bill, focused on AI safety and frontier models, now applies its main requirements to models trained above 10^26 FLOPs, includes broader whistleblower protections, sets different disclosure obligations based on company revenue, removes Attorney General rulemaking authority in favor of an annual Department of Technology report, and keeps a $1 million-per-violation penalty. He also highlighted CalCompute, a proposed public cloud intended to expand access to compute and support innovation. Supporters, including Encode AI and Economic Security California Action, argued the bill would hold AI developers accountable to their public safety commitments, improve transparency, protect whistleblowers, and help democratize access to AI infrastructure. They said the measure reflects extensive negotiation with the administration and stakeholders and aligns with recommendations from the governor’s frontier-model working group. Opponents, including CalChamber, TechNet, CCIA, and Chamber of Progress, remained opposed unless amended, saying they appreciated the author’s work but still had concerns outlined in their letters. Committee members questioned whether the bill could stifle innovation, how it would address worst-case AI harms, and whether it could reach actors outside California. The author responded that the bill is intended as a light-touch transparency measure, that it applies to entities doing business in California, and that California can still lead in the absence of federal action. Members also emphasized the importance of whistleblower protections and CalCompute. The committee voted 12-1 to pass the bill, with DeMaio voting no and Patterson not voting, and the bill was sent back to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• support every human life. support every human life.
• <02:13:18.880> being that that human being is a human being that that human being is a human
• began at conception, 70% of humanity began at conception, 70% of humanity would<02:27:00.720>
• That turtle egg or a human life? That wild rice or a human life?
• That turtle egg or a human life? That wild rice or a human life? An animal or my son's life?

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House adopted the conference committee report on House File 1141, the housing bill, and repassed the bill as amended by conference. Representative Howard said the compromise bill would help build thousands of homes, keep Minnesotans housed, and improve transparency and collaboration with the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, while remaining budget-neutral by using MHFA interest earnings and fund transfers. He highlighted investments in housing infrastructure bonds, greater Minnesota workforce housing, manufactured housing, FHPAP, supportive housing, and added transparency for MHFA board meetings, while noting that some Senate provisions such as a manufactured housing bill of rights and a ban on private equity home purchases were not included. Several members spoke in support, emphasizing housing as a basic need and linking the bill to homelessness, workforce shortages, and health outcomes. Supporters praised the bill’s funding for supportive housing, first-generation homebuyer assistance, tenant hotline services, and manufactured housing, and said the bipartisan conference process improved the measure. Representative Kosowski and others argued the bill would help people stay housed, reduce pressure on schools, hospitals, and emergency rooms, and support communities across all 87 counties and tribal nations. Republican members raised concerns about spending and government growth, arguing the state should prioritize taxpayer relief, school safety, fraud prevention, and asset preservation instead of housing investments. Representative McDonald questioned the growth in MHFA staffing over the past decade, and Representative Howard responded that the agency had taken on many new responsibilities since the state’s larger housing investments and needed staff to administer programs effectively. After the motion to adopt the conference report prevailed, the bill moved to third reading, where further discussion continued in a generally supportive but divided debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• classified and approved by state human classified and approved by state human resources<00:15:07.240
• Services—I'm not including Health and Human Services—Human Services makes up about 25% of the total
• Services—I'm not including Health and Human Services—Human Services makes up about 25% of the total
• Services—I'm not including Health and Human Services—Human Services makes up about 25% of the total
• Services—I'm not including Health and Human Services—Human Services makes up about 25% of the total

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee met on February 6, 2025, for an update on emergency medical services (EMS) policy and implementation. Senator Seberger described the work of the EMS Task Force, which traveled statewide to hear concerns from providers about staffing, reimbursement, and retention. She said the task force led to the Sprint Medic model and two innovation zones in Otter Tail and St. Louis counties, and she urged continued monitoring and possible reconstitution of the task force to evaluate what is working and what could be expanded statewide. She also said future EMS work should continue to explore alternative response models and telemedicine, but that the most immediate need is additional funding, especially to address unpaid non-transport calls. Dylan Ferguson, director of the newly formed Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services, gave a detailed update on the office’s structure and priorities after the transition from the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board. He described the office’s three divisions, the appointment of deputy directors, the first meetings of the advisory councils, and work on a statewide EMS strategic plan. He also reviewed the $24 million emergency ambulance aid program, explaining its 40-40-20 formula, the emphasis on rural services, the reporting and spending deadlines, and the positive response from ambulance providers. He noted that the $6 million Sprint paramedic grant program is underway, with Otter Tail County moving forward and St. Louis County still finalizing its application. Ferguson also outlined the office’s budget request for modest staffing and contract-cost increases, two rulemaking efforts to update outdated ambulance vehicle standards and expand medication options for basic life support services, and ongoing data collection on workforce needs, violence against EMS providers, and ambulance crashes. He highlighted the paramedic scholarship program administered by the Office of Higher Education, saying nearly 300 scholarships have been awarded. Members and Senator Seberger praised the EMS reforms and emphasized that non-transport calls create significant unreimbursed costs, especially for rural and volunteer services, but no votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• voter uh vote human rights suppression. voter uh vote human rights suppression.
• for her sister's human rights advocacy. for her sister's human rights advocacy.
• I yield back. worth of every human being. Now, Jimmy worth of every human being.
• only the vote, but their humanity. only the vote, but their humanity.
• pushing the boundaries of human pushing the boundaries of human achievement,<08:51:18.398> as

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• house committee on Health and Human house committee on Health and Human Services<00:07:50.680>
• <00:13:59.240> human<00:13:59.759> human<00:14:00.320> human therapeutic and
• human human human human therapeutic and human human human human tool<00:14:01.480> in<00:14:01.720
• <00:51:37.280> factors<00:51:37.720> what human factors and in human factors what human
• By definition, a pregnant woman is a human being; pregnancy involves a second human being in the womb

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The league provides Human Resources assistance to our 841 member cities across the state.
• The league provides Human Resources assistance to our 841 member cities across the state.
• The league provides Human Resources assistance to our 841 member cities across the state.
• I work with Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools and Human Resources.
• they are working and they are not humans they are working and they are not humans outside<01:29:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• modifying provisions relating to human modifying provisions relating to human services.<01:44:47.600
• I've contended since we passed this bill out of the human services committee in the first place that
• Last year, again, we had the biggest cut in state history here, so to human services.
• Last year, again, we had the biggest cut in state history here, so to human services.
• Last year again, we had the biggest cut in state history here, so to human services.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up House File 719, the capital investment/bonding bill, and members spent much of the debate praising committee staff and describing the bill as a bipartisan product shaped by statewide bonding tours and negotiations. Supporters highlighted major infrastructure and public facility projects, including water and sewer work, transportation projects, housing, natural resources, and specific local needs such as Grand Marais, the Manomomen County hospital/nursing home, and airport tower funding. Several members emphasized that the bill was a “Team House” effort and argued that infrastructure funding should not be treated as partisan. During debate, members also focused on the bill’s water infrastructure investments and the need for broader, dedicated funding to address lead pipes, PFAS contamination, and rising wastewater costs. Representative Lee noted that more than $400 million in the package went to water infrastructure, while other speakers pointed to transportation funding and a one-time reduction in tab fees as important elements of the bill. Representative Franson and others urged support, saying the package reflected statewide needs and was a down payment on larger asset-preservation needs. The House adopted three technical amendments to House File 719, then gave the bill its third reading. After floor discussion, Representative Niska moved to lay House File 719 on the table, and the motion prevailed, tabling the bill. The chamber then moved on to House File 2484, the cash portion of the infrastructure package, where members again described the measure as a small but important funding bill and discussed a Lower Sioux Indian Community Dakota language item and the limited size of each caucus’s cash allocation.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:40:38.079> services department of health and human services department of health and human
• Um our our Health and Human Services.
• Are >> How about health and human services?
• Is it something that's happening because of human error?
• the dental examiners, and the human the dental examiners, and the human rights<01:41:29.679>

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.