Transcript Highlights:

• division provides administrative support and oversight of providers enrolled in the Medicaid, Medicaid waiver
• So those are for graduate-level classes, which the tuition and fees for graduate-level class is higher

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:

• million for the Indian Ed Fund, $12.8 million for emergency supplemental, and $393,000 for out-of-state tuition
• for teacher PD, $1.5 million for RECs, $1.5 million for school safety, $1.3 million for test fee waivers

Summary: The committee first heard a detailed staff presentation on the LESC FY27 public school support recommendation. Staff reviewed the budget structure and explained that, despite a downward revision in state revenue estimates, the recommendation still relied on recurring and non-recurring revenue to support educator compensation, insurance, transportation, literacy, math, special education, and other school programs. Major recurring items included a 3% compensation increase, funding for an 80-20 health insurance cost share, insurance premium growth, and transportation adequacy funding. Staff also flagged a possible supplemental need of up to $35 million for virtual education tied to rapid enrollment growth in Chama and Santa Rosa, and members raised concerns about the quality, accountability, and funding model for virtual programs. Members asked questions about transportation for rural districts, the Martinez-Yazzie lawsuit fees, the treatment of enrollment declines in the school funding formula, and whether the word “average” in salary language should remain in the budget. Staff explained that the SEG should remain whole, that the insurance and transportation recommendations applied to all public school employees but not contractors, and that the budget included multiple math-related investments spread across several lines rather than one single appropriation. There was also discussion of out-of-school learning grants, school meals, literacy center operations, special education training, and the Public Education Reform Fund, including the use of multi-year, evaluation-based appropriations for high-impact tutoring and community schools. After discussion, the committee adopted the LESC budget recommendation. The committee then moved to endorsed legislation proposals. It endorsed a bill allowing the secretary to suspend an individual school board member, with notice and appeal procedures clarified, and a bill creating an 80-20 health insurance cost-share requirement for public school employees, along with a study of the sustainability of public school insurance programs. It also endorsed a bill on attendance provisions for students with severe medical conditions, which would keep those students from being classified as excessively absent. Finally, the committee discussed a teacher residency bill that would raise stipend levels, allow residents to complete service anywhere in New Mexico, and remove the requirement that sponsoring schools must hire them, though the bill did not include an appropriation. Members also raised questions about bilingual, Hispanic, and Black education funding, cultural and linguistic supports in teacher preparation, and where various programs should be placed in the budget or PERF framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mostly that first year is going to be implementation and either getting a waiver or a state plan, 1915
• where federal actions are reducing enrollment by international students who contribute non-resident tuition

Bills: AB49 , AB93 , AB108 , AB169 , AB188 , AB212 , AB221 , AB224 , AB251 , AB282 , AB284 , AB296 , AB304 , AB331 , AB356 , AB366 , AB375 , AB409 , AB467 , AB475 , AB476 , AB479 , AB494 , AB514 , AB515 , AB533 , AB542 , AB550 , AB558 , AB567 , AB568 , AB571 , AB581 , AB583 , AB584 , AB585 , AB595 , AB596 , AB597 , SB170 , SB427 , SB460 , SB508

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• enforcement activity does not affect their qualifications from exemption from paying non resident tuition

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• This is because our initial waiver expired at the end of 2024, and though it was extended until the end
• There is no guarantee the waiver will be extended.
• You mentioned the federal waiver. I thought this was, I thought Healthy Texas Women was mostly.
• Yes, it is a federal waiver program. Okay, well, you would know. Thank you very much.
• Rural maternal health crises and the uncertainty of federal waiver matches that the representative mentioned

Bills: HB231 , HB475 , HB488 , HB632 , HB821 , HB1786 , HB1955 , HB2036 , HB2060 , HB2659 , HB2677 , HB231

Committee: House S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health

Keywords: food access, food deserts, communities of color, health disparities, socioeconomic impact, nutritious food, health effects, socioeconomic disparities, legislative recommendations, nutrition, access to food, Medicaid, multisystemic therapy, healthcare, reimbursement, mental health services, education, funding, local control, school system

Transcript Highlights:

• initiative by the chair to strengthen continuity of care for individuals receiving certain residential waiver
• Services to pre-plan, coordinate, and oversee the continuity of care of all clients of a residential waiver
• </c><00:02:37.320><c> services</c> residential waiver services residential waiver services following<
• ><00:05:31.480><c> service</c><00:05:31.920><c> provider</c><00:05:33.040><c> who</c> Residential waiver
• </c> or, uh, waiver plan. or, uh, waiver plan.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Minnesota when they are under a waiver Minnesota when they are under a waiver program?
• There is also a logistical challenge in how to speedily approve services, particularly under a waiver
• There is also a logistical challenge in how to speedily approve services, particularly under a waiver
• individualized</c><01:07:49.200><c> home</c> waiver is receiving individualized home waiver is receiving
• Services provided under waivers.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• From the moment I and the Michelle P waiver had no funding and the Michelle P waiver had no funding for
• We've spoken previously about the proposed child waiver, the 1915(c) child waiver.
• , the 1915 C child waiver.
• Um, and waiver, the 1915 C child waiver.
• Um given upcoming child waiver.

Summary: The committee approved the October 22, 2025 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel on accidental ingestion of illegal drug products by children. Panel members said pediatric ingestions have become the most common case type they review, with the highest-risk children ages one to four, and that fatal cases have increased in recent years. They reported that the substances most often involved are fentanyl, cannabinoids including THC products, methamphetamine, and increasingly xylazine; they also noted a decline in buprenorphine-related ingestions, which they viewed as a positive trend. The panel used several case examples to highlight recurring problems in investigations and medical response, including delayed DCBS involvement, failure to administer Narcan, inadequate drug testing, lack of child abuse team involvement, and limited or absent law enforcement investigation. They said law enforcement issues are especially common in pediatric ingestion cases and are concentrated in Jefferson County and the Bluegrass/KIPA regions. One example involved a one-year-old who died from fentanyl and Benadryl intoxication; another involved a two-year-old who died after ingesting multiple substances; and a third involved a four-year-old with near-fatal THC gummy ingestion where delayed treatment worsened the child’s condition. They also described a 10-month-old THC ingestion case that resulted in a criminal abuse conviction, which they presented as an example without missed investigative opportunities. Committee members discussed possible policy responses, including creating a more specific criminal child abuse offense or clarifying existing abuse and neglect definitions to cover unsafe access to illegal drugs, while preserving room for true accidents and prescribed medications. Members also raised the need for statewide standardization in reporting, investigation, and medical response, and suggested the panel should be able to call in agencies such as law enforcement, DCBS, judges, and hospitals for closed-session review of selected cases. The panel chair said they were already pursuing meetings with LMPD and would provide Jefferson County-specific breakdowns, and members expressed interest in additional data and agency follow-up before considering legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• The amount was set in statute at $9,739, with language that it may increase by the tuition growth factor
• We cover all remaining tuition costs for all College Bound students.
• Without restoring College Bound, our ability to make up the tuition difference for more than a quarter
• PLU is the only institution offering a fixed tuition guarantee to students.
• University, and that financial freedom, that aid, you know, there are still students who are still paying tuition

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on Substitute Senate Bill 5828, which would restore and adjust Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship award levels for students attending private, not-for-profit four-year institutions. Staff explained the bill would set the awards at 90 percent of the regional and state college rate rather than 50 percent of the research rate, with an estimated fiscal impact of $3.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and $18.6 million over four years. Testimony was largely in support from private college presidents, students, and school counselors, who said the bill would help low-income and first-generation students and preserve access and enrollment choices; some public college student representatives said they did not oppose the bill but argued that cuts to public-school aid should be restored first. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5911, which would prohibit DCYF from using benefits or funds of youth in extended foster care as reimbursement for their cost of care beginning in 2027, while requiring support for benefit management and payee arrangements and allowing protected accounts such as ABLE accounts. Staff estimated a net fiscal impact of $608,000 in fiscal year 2027 and $2.2 million per biennium thereafter. Testimony in support said the bill would end the practice of withholding SSI and other benefits from youth in care and better support disabled youth transitioning to adulthood. Members asked questions about fiduciary responsibility and representative payee arrangements. In executive session, the committee adopted amendments and advanced several bills. It adopted Amendment Clark 350 to House Bill 2689, raising the required provider response rate for the child care market rate survey to 65 percent, and then reported the bill out with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 18-11, with two excused. It adopted Amendment H-3743.1 to Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5395 on retrospective prior authorization denials and reported that bill out unanimously. It also adopted Amendment Pool 272 to Senate Bill 5420 and reported that bill out unanimously. For Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5496, the committee adopted several amendments clarifying scope and penalties but rejected amendments that would have delayed the bill or replaced it with a study; the bill was then reported out with a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard amendment briefings on other bills, including 5981, 6026, 6160, 6184, and 6211, but deferred action on some items heard that morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• We pay their tuition, and also the structure of the classes is such that they can do it outside of their
• So we also have a tuition reimbursement program.
• We have the ability to pay the tuition for them to pursue those degrees. Thank you, Mr.
• Chair and Representative, so employees can use that tuition reimbursement for any school across the country
• , our mission, and importantly, with no impact to our employees' paychecks, health insurance, and tuition

Committee: Joint Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• We do look at waiver providers because they are taking care of our most vulnerable population, and we
• /c><00:15:33.480><c> providers</c><00:15:34.120><c> because</c><00:15:34.440><c> they</c> look at waiver
• For fee-for-service, we do not do prepayment because we're mostly serving waiver nursing home population
• </c><00:26:22.320><c> nursing</c><00:26:22.720><c> home</c> serving um waiver nursing home serving um
• waiver nursing home population<00:26:24.640><c> um</c><00:26:25.200><c> but</c><00:26:25.360><c> for

Summary: The subcommittee met to review the Department for Medicaid Services’ program integrity work. Commissioner Lisa Lee and Program Integrity Director Jennifer Dudinsky outlined Kentucky Medicaid’s structure, funding, enrollment, and spending, including FMAP rates, the size of the Medicaid and KCHIP populations, the number of providers, and 2024 expenditures. They also described the managed care and fee-for-service populations, noting that managed care serves most members while fee-for-service is concentrated in long-term care and waiver populations. Most of the discussion focused on fraud, waste, abuse prevention, and provider oversight. The department described its provider enrollment and certification checks, revalidation requirements, site reviews, fingerprinting for some high-risk providers, and termination grounds such as false application information, Medicare actions, unreported ownership changes, and abandonment of a provider number. Members asked about nonprofit ownership reporting, MCO fraud oversight, and how the department tracks unusual CPT code utilization, especially in behavioral health. The department said it uses data analytics, audits, policy review, and collaboration with behavioral health staff to monitor those trends. Dudinsky explained the division’s four branches: provider licensing and certification, audits and compliance, recovery, and third-party liability/estate recovery. She described prepayment and postpayment audits, referrals of credible fraud allegations to the Attorney General, monthly meetings with the AG’s office, and coordination with the Office of Inspector General, CMS, HHS OIG, MCOs, and other partners. She also explained payment suspensions, stand-downs during law enforcement investigations, and recovery efforts for overpayments, provider/member fraud, and third-party liability. The department said its recovery and avoidance efforts produced more than $251 million in savings so far in 2025. No votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are the administrative entity for the autism waiver for the state, and we have 180 slots for the state
• So I would love for that to be, if the group agrees, since the autism waiver sort of came out of this
• Of course, we are always looking at ways to enhance the autism waiver.
• would be that when funds are available at DHS for such purpose, the number of slots for the autism waivers

Committee: All TASK FORCE ON AUTISM

Summary: The committee first approved the August 13, 2026 minutes without objection. It then reviewed its annual report to the General Assembly, where a member proposed adding language urging that, when DHS has available funds, expansion of the autism waiver slots be treated as a priority. The discussion noted the program’s limited 180 slots, a waiting list of 148 children, 536 families still completing applications, and 56 children who aged out in July and August before receiving services. The committee agreed to add the language to the report. After the amendment, the committee adopted the annual report as amended. Members also discussed plans for one more meeting before the end of the year, likely in November, with the main focus expected to be drafting legislation and allowing public input. Members were encouraged to send additional topics or ideas to Representative Ennett so they could be placed on the agenda and considered for future discussion. The meeting concluded with brief remarks thanking members for their participation and noting the learning process for committee procedure, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Waiver is a big deal. It means you're not going to be treated as a child.
• Waiver is a big deal. It means you're not going to be treated as a child.
• Waiver is a big deal. It means you're not going to be treated as a child.
• So, I wanted to clarify, what is the current age of waiver here in Hawaii?
• </c><01:02:27.080><c> here</c> what is the current age of waiver here what is the current age of waiver

Bills: SB709 , SB2089 , SB2090 , SB2108 , SB2211 , SB2250 , SB2325 , SB2803 , SB2866 , SB3245

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Summary: The committee heard SB 709 SD2, which would require the Department of Health to respond to reports involving persons with severe mental illness, assess eligibility for assisted community treatment, and coordinate treatment when appropriate. Testimony from the Department of Human Services and the Department of Health supported the measure, with DOH saying it generally supported the bill but had comments on one section it viewed as unnecessary. The Department of Law Enforcement later explained that the bill would shift certification and standards for crisis intervention officer training from DOH to DLE, while still involving DOH in the training process. Opposition came from the Hawaii Disability Rights Center and an individual testifier, both of whom argued the bill expands state authority over people with mental illness and could worsen forced treatment practices. The Disability Rights Center also raised procedural concerns, saying the bill was effectively moved from a prior administration measure that had not been heard this session, and questioned whether the bill’s changes to assisted community treatment, blood tests, urinalysis, and living arrangements went beyond current law. The individual testifier argued the bill would further entrench harmful psychiatric drugging and urged the committee to defer it. Committee members questioned the administration about the bill’s process, the role of the Attorney General in treatment-over-objection proceedings, and the practical effects of moving CIT certification to DLE. The Attorney General’s office said the bill was intended to fill a gap by allowing it to assist with treatment proceedings, while public defenders would continue to represent respondents and due process protections would remain in place. DLE and DOH said the change would better align certification with law enforcement training needs, improve speed in crisis response, and still keep DOH involved; members also discussed whether WAM counted as a hearing and whether the bill should more explicitly preserve DOH’s role. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We heard a presentation about the private colleges and universities and the EASE Tuition Assistance Accountability

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met to release its fiscal year 2025-2026 budget recommendations. Chair Busata explained that the higher education budget recommendation totals $8.6 billion, which is $385 million, or 4%, below the current year, citing strong recent budget growth and projected future deficits as reasons for tighter spending. The chair also noted that the committee’s earlier meetings provided background on vocational rehabilitation, blind services, private colleges, student financial aid, workforce programs, and universities. The recommendation included increases for service provider rates in Vocational Rehabilitation, use of additional federal funds in Blind Services, an EASE grant increase for private colleges and universities, and adjustments to several student financial aid programs based on enrollment projections. It also moved the Open Door Grant Program from recurring to non-recurring funding, added modest increases for workforce education programs such as technical career education incentives, adult basic education, teacher apprenticeships, and workforce capitalization grants, and provided increases for the college system and state universities, including IFAS, strategic emphasis programs, performance funding, and faculty recruitment and retention. The chair also highlighted that the proposal includes recommended higher education member projects and outlined the next steps in the budget process, including compilation into a proposed committee bill, publication of the bill and related language, and consideration by the Budget Committee the following week. No votes were taken on the budget recommendation itself, and the meeting adjourned after a motion to rise without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• the original budget, the governor proposed to cap the inflationary adjustments on the disability waiver
• the original budget, the governor proposed to cap the inflationary adjustments on the disability waiver
• 00:03:52.720><c> on</c><00:03:52.959><c> the</c><00:03:53.200><c> disability</c><00:03:53.680><c> waiver
• </c> adjustments on the disability waiver adjustments on the disability waiver rate<00:03:54.319><c>
• Last year the legislature authorized a 1115 re-entry waiver.

Bills: HF2995 , HF2434

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: human services, funding, appropriations, MinnesotaCare, behavioral health, general assistance, healthcare, personal care assistance, worker retention, disability services, state funding

Transcript Highlights:

• willing, open Cypress Lake camp this summer, we, basically, Cypress Lake Camp this summer, based on the tuition
• My bill prohibits carve-outs and waivers.
• And now, if it truly was a waiver and you signed a piece of paper and paid some money, I would get that
• That's a waiver. That's a carve-out. That's not what these are.
• I trusted and paid tuition to Camp Mystic to do their due diligence in creating a safe environment to

Committee: House The July 2025 Flooding Events, General Investigating

Transcript Highlights:

• Director Cameron and the Idaho Department of Insurance for their continued work on the 1332 reinsurance waiver
• Director Cameron and the Idaho Department of Insurance for their continued work on the 1332 reinsurance waiver
• With the implementation of the 1332 reinsurance waiver, that has played a tremendous role in stabilizing
• and even decreasing premiums; had we not had that waiver in place, premiums would likely be higher.
• And that's with an 18% reduction due to the 1332 waiver.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• The waiver is granted, Senator Kim. Thank you.
• ><c> the</c><00:26:13.960><c> public</c><00:26:14.320><c> hearing</c> request a waiver of the public
• hearing request a waiver of the public hearing notice<00:26:15.240><c> requirement</c><00:26:15.760><
• The waiver is inadvertently missed.
• The waiver is granted,<00:26:27.080><c> Senator</c><00:26:27.480><c> Kim.

Bills: SB3123 , HB1853 , HB1961 , HB1965 , HB1962 , HB1959 , HB2505 , HB2576 , HB1801 , HB1804 , HB1864 , HB2319 , HB2314 , HB2115 , HB1854 , HB2062 , HB1511 , HB1535 , HB2614 , HB2282 , HB1870 , HB1695 , HB1626 , HB1643 , HB1972 , HB1550 , HB1974 , HB1966 , HB1973 , HB2545 , HB1946 , HB1939 , HB1721 , HB1741 , HB1700

Transcript Highlights:

• But even with the waiver, individuals are waiting four to six months for DHS approval, and if there is
• So why wouldn't we trust them to authorize it just like they do with other waiver services?
• Letting case managers handle authorization for people utilizing waivers would reduce bottlenecks in the
• People utilizing waivers have already gone through an extensive assessment and approval process.
• It is limited to people between the ages of 22 and 64 who are on a disability waiver.

Bills: HF2115 , HF2276 , HF1644 , HF99 , HF2068 , HF2707 , HF2704 , HF2406 , HF1674 , HF1579

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Bills: SB1687 , HB1687 , HB4431 , HB2894 , HB2979 , HB3262 , HB3298 , HB3369 , HB3431 , HB3462 , SB1226 , SB1876 , SB1916 , SB1920 , HB3467 , HB3498 , HB3500 , HB3521 , HB3581 , HB3650 , HB3673 , HB3764 , HB3767 , HB3781 , HB3800 , HB3831 , HB3834 , HB3941 , HB2749 , HB3970 , HB3972 , HB3979 , HB3980 , HB3981 , HB3996 , HB4095 , HB4104 , HB4191 , HB4248 , HB4298 , HB4338 , HB4427 , HB4428 , HJR1023 , HB3660 , HB3718 , HB4326 , HB3443 , HB3880 , HB3649 , HB3000 , SB1651 , SB504 , SB372 , SB1326 , SB1633 , SB248 , SB1242 , SB1238 , SB423 , SB1989 , SB1286 , SB904 , SB1213 , SB1216 , SB1827 , SB65 , SB1390 , SB259 , SB1944 , SB540 , SB2139 , SB346 , SB1595 , SB1400 , SB1555 , SB1209 , SB2110 , SB1670 , SB1061 , SB2104 , HR1057 , SB1946 , SB1734 , SB1316 , SB1360 , SB1557 , SB1684 , SB2049 , SB1410 , SB2011 , SB1437 , SB1204 , SB1732 , SB1775 , SB2084 , SB1380 , SB1572 , SB1772 , SB1224 , SB710 , SB1338 , SB1266 , SB1303 , SB1307 , SB1562 , SB1794 , SB1191 , SB1983 , SB1832 , SB1448 , SB1534 , SB1593 , SB1597 , SB1630 , SB1489 , SB1726 , SB1796 , SB1806 , SB1877 , SB1451 , SB1553 , SB1632 , SB1423 , SB1425 , SB1502 , SB2180 , SB1725 , SB2182 , HB3003 , HB3004 , HB4434 , HB4324 , HB4342 , HB2137 , HB4432 , SJR50 , SJR52 , SJR53

Keywords: driver licenses, exam proctor, Service Oklahoma, commercial training, background checks, advance directive, advance health care directive, health care proxy, medical power of attorney, durable power of attorney for health care, living will, surrogate decision-maker, default surrogate, health care agent, capacity determination, supported decision making, mental health directive, psychiatric advance directive, end-of-life care, life-sustaining treatment