Transcript Highlights:

• <02:31:22.880> Permission<02:31:23.359> is permission in writing.
• Permission is permission in writing.
• So by not having a penalty, I mean, we don't write polite suggestions in the body.
• penalty, I mean, we don't we don't write penalty, I mean, we don't we don't write polite<02:42:43.200
• We write polite suggestions in the body.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then how do you prove that you have completely and honestly answered a question asked in writing
• Well, I didn't write the bill either.
• <02:48:14.000> My writing when a parent asks it? My writing when a parent asks it?
• <02:51:37.600> So,<02:51:38.240> um, didn't write the bill either.
• So, um, didn't write the bill either.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 34, which would require parental consent for each new service provided to a student through the Medicaid to Schools program and require reports to legislative policy committees. Senator Ruth Ward said the bill was intended to increase transparency, protect parental involvement, and ensure continuity of care, especially for students with disabilities. She also noted a proposed amendment she received shortly before the hearing that would change the bill’s focus from a “new service” to a “new care plan.” Representatives from the New Hampshire Primary Care Association and Amoscake Health testified that they opposed the bill as written but would support it with the amendment. They explained that tying consent to individual diagnosis codes or services could be burdensome, could delay care, and could create compliance problems if a diagnosis changes during a visit. They said the amendment would better align consent with the overall care plan and avoid interrupting treatment mid-appointment. Committee members raised questions about how the bill would interact with IEPs, individualized health plans, homebound services, telehealth, billing, and whether the amendment would still require parental involvement after a care plan changes. The deputy Medicaid director from the Department of Health and Human Services testified that the amendment was more operationally feasible because Medicaid billing involves many ICD-10 codes that can change or overlap, and consent should be tied to the care plan rather than to each code. He said the current law already requires parental consent for participation in the Medicaid to Schools program and annual consent for billing, but the bill would make explicit consent for care-plan changes. No vote was taken during the portion of the hearing provided, and the committee appeared to continue discussion with DHHS after the testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• public funds, if the information about every one of those incidents was not promptly reported in writing
• public funds, if the information about every one of those incidents was not promptly reported in writing
• If they don't report in writing to the OA promptly, it has to be prompt and it has to be in writing.
• If they don't report in writing to that.
• <01:19:49.840> If<01:19:50.000> it's<01:19:50.159> not It has to be in writing

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up Senate File 4476, described as the human services program integrity package, and first adopted a motion declaring urgency so the bill could move quickly to conference committee before the end of session. The House then adopted a DE amendment to insert House language, followed by a technical A7 amendment clarifying that prepayment review would apply to all fee-for-service systems. Members then debated the A5 amendment, which would have removed a sunset on the periodic data matching reporting requirement tied to eligibility checks for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare. Supporters argued the report is essential for fraud prevention, accountability, and ensuring only eligible recipients receive benefits, citing missed or delayed reports and claiming the process can save the state money. Opponents said the report had been received, that federal HR1 changes would require different data-matching procedures, and that the amendment was not the right vehicle. After roll call, the A5 amendment failed, 63-67. The House next debated the A6 amendment, which would require DHS reporting on homelessness programs, including outcomes, costs, and participant movement, and would allow recoupment of funds if reporting was not provided. Supporters said the state spends tens of millions on homelessness without clear results and needs better data to guide policy; opponents said homelessness reporting and stakeholder work are already underway and objected to the amendment’s approach. Debate continued with questions about the amendment’s details and stakeholder consultation, but the transcript ends before a final vote on A6.

Transcript Highlights:

• And instead of them going to prison for 30 years, they write a nice check for restitution.
• They could easily write a check for $1.23 million. And they're investigating, and you know what?
• they write a nice check for<00:21:10.600> restitution.
• They could easily write a individual.
• They could easily write a check<00:21:33.000> for<00:21:33.160> $1.23<00:21:34.120>

Bills: HF4338

Keywords: human services, medical assistance, Medicaid, provider enrollment, provider revalidation, fraud prevention, program integrity, background study, background check, fingerprinting, licensing, license revocation, payment withholding, payment suspension, prepayment review, postpayment review, surety bond, compliance training, case management, targeted case management

Transcript Highlights:

• can write a big check<00:31:53.320> that<00:31:53.440> would<00:31:53.560> cover
• Then a comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation is completed by a licensed professional who writes
• Once that evaluation is approved by the DHS authorization agent, then a QSP writes an additional 20-page
• > an<00:41:43.960> additional<00:41:44.760> 20-page<00:41:45.880> ITP writes
• an additional 20-page ITP writes an additional 20-page ITP individualized<00:41:47.880> treatment

Bills: HF4207, HF4338

Keywords: housing aid, local housing trust, funding projects, income provisions, technical changes, human services, medical assistance, Medicaid, provider enrollment, provider revalidation, fraud prevention, program integrity, background study, background check, fingerprinting, licensing, license revocation, payment withholding, payment suspension, prepayment review

Transcript Highlights:

• I would also like to thank Representative Harder for her support in writing this bill. critical to be
• <00:54:07.280> writing<00:54:07.600> this her support in writing writing this her support
• in writing writing this bill.
• And so, you know, good intentions are there, but unless we write it into the law, it won't happen.
• And so, you know, good intentions are there, but unless we write it into the law, it won't happen.

Bills: HF4710, HF4055, HF3848, HF3989, HF4599, HF3767, HF3592, HF3575, HF3574, HF3543, HF4606, HF4489, HF3891, HF3438, HF3811, HF3400

Keywords: capital investment, water infrastructure, sewer systems, public funding, municipal development, Eveleth, wastewater treatment, state bonds, environmental compliance, infrastructure, bonds, economic development, local government, transportation, intersection improvements, Lake Elmo, HF4599, St. Joseph, Minnesota bonding bill, bond proceeds fund

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the considerations of any officer writing a citation or effectuating an arrest is their assessment
• officer One of the considerations of any officer One of the considerations of any officer writing
• a citation or effectuating an writing a citation or effectuating an arrest<00:45:13.520> is<00
• We only received one testimony in writing. No one is here wishing to testify on this measure?
• in and have it retained um them to write in and have it retained um for<01:30:22.640> potential

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Senate bills. On SB 2530, relating to campaign contributions, the State Procurement Office suggested clarifying that contractor disclosure information be submitted within 30 days of a fully executed contract, while the Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill but asked that the restriction on contributions by officers be expanded beyond compensated officers. Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action supported the measure and urged keeping the Senate language, arguing it better addresses contractor influence, while no other testifiers appeared. On SB 2970, relating to standards of conduct, the State Ethics Commission supported the bill and proposed amendments to consolidate the new language into existing Chapter 84 contract provisions and use “department head” instead of “director.” The State Procurement Office supported the measure but recommended closing a perceived loophole by limiting the covered contracts to those under $10,000. No opposition testimony was offered. The committee then heard SB 2919, which would fund one full-time Deputy Public Defender position focused on immigration-related advice under Padilla v. Kentucky. The Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrants’ Rights, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, explaining that the position would help public defenders advise clients about immigration consequences of criminal cases, not provide immigration representation. Members asked several questions about the scope of the position and whether it could assist with citizenship; testimony clarified that it would not handle civil immigration matters. The bill was also described as creating a statewide consistent resource for the public defender system. Finally, on SB 2446, relating to the judiciary, the Intermediate Court of Appeals supported adding a seventh associate judge position but noted the court has only recently been fully staffed at six judges and has improved output through internal changes. The chair emphasized that the bill authorizes the position without funding and encouraged the judiciary to return later if appropriations are needed. The committee also began hearing SB 2730, a criminal justice reform bill on warrantless arrests and citations. OHA supported reducing unnecessary arrests but objected to making citations visible on criminal records; the Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, citing law enforcement flexibility, identification concerns, and possible litigation costs; and the Judiciary requested a later implementation date and suggested changes to citation-resolution language. The transcript ends while testimony on SB 2730 was still underway.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, but you're going to have people calling local law enforcement asking them to write tickets day one
• a month or 45 days for those folks to get that stuff cleared out of their stores before we start writing
• <01:03:12.960> and<01:03:13.280> we we start writing them tickets. and we we start
• writing them tickets. and we can't<01:03:13.599> even<01:03:13.839> test<01:03:14.079><
• will be getting pressure to write will be getting pressure to write tickets<01:03:29.200> immediately

Bills: HB0103, HB0070, HB0091

Keywords: First Amendment, free speech, lawsuits, immunity, public participation, strategic lawsuits, foreign censorship, digital innovation, constitutional rights, Wyoming GRANITE Act, extraterritorial laws, civil actions, speech protection, legal jurisdiction, joint liability, artificial intelligence, social scoring, biometric data, privacy rights, government regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• If they request an extension in writing by February 15th, we have to by law grant them till April 1st
• by February 15th, we have to by writing by February 15th, we have to by law<00:25:03.679> grant
• I'm sure somebody can write that better than I did. I was just trying to get the concept down.
• I'm sure somebody can write exemption.
• I'm sure somebody can write that<00:52:46.720> better<00:52:46.880> than<00:52:47.040><

Bills: HB0045

Keywords: property tax, exemption, homeowners, long-term, aged, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the several challenges during rulemaking was the position taken by those who were writing the
• We also wanted to commend the dental board for their collaboration and efforts to write these rules that
• Sorry, I'm reading, trying to write at the same time.
• It's the official write-up, which is essentially redundant to what you've already delivered.
• It's the official write up deliver care.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• unintended consequences, I because when unintended consequences, I just act simply if somebody's writing
• me just act simply if somebody's writing me just act simply if somebody's writing me a check, am I re
• foreign should be going against the foreign should be going against the foreign national because he's writing
• me a check national because he's writing me a check national because he's writing me a check that I
• At the end of the day, if someone writes a someone writes a someone writes a check, and I know folks

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, seeing none, we also had testimony in support in writing from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, from
• ><00:37:28.960> in also had um testimony in support in also had um testimony in support in writing
• from the Office of Hawaiian writing from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs,<00:37:31.599> from<00
• had written comments from Sex Workers Outreach Project Hawaii and support from two individuals in writing
• support from two individuals in writing. support from two individuals in writing.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 281 SD1, which would define and prohibit torture as a Class A felony. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, HPD investigators, and other supporters said the bill is needed because existing laws do not adequately capture torture, especially cases involving children and vulnerable persons. Several testifiers emphasized that starvation is a common method of torture that often leaves little visible evidence, and they urged the committee to restore the original starvation language removed from the measure. The Office of the Public Defender said it did not oppose the bill’s purpose but raised concerns that the language was too broad and could create trial issues, particularly around minors and vulnerable people, and suggested narrowing amendments. The chair indicated the testimony had made a strong impression and said the committee would try to move the bill forward. The committee then heard SB 292 SD1, relating to sexual exploitation and safe harbor protections for survivors seeking medical or law enforcement help. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the measure, noting that a prior version raised equal protection concerns that were no longer present, and said survivors should be able to seek help without fear of prosecution. Written support was also noted from several advocacy and state groups. Testimony in support focused on retaliation fears, trafficking, and the need for manpower and resources to address exploitation and related crimes. Finally, the committee took up SB 295 SD1, which would increase penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and treat a violation of one as a second offense for the other. The Public Defender’s Office objected to the mandatory jail component, arguing judges should retain discretion and that there was no clear evidence mandatory jail deters violations. The transcript cuts off before any final committee action or vote on SB 295 was recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• This law comes from Delaware, and if you know anything about Delaware, they write in, like, no punctuation
• in advance, in part of the plan of merger, so there's no bait and switch here. about Delaware they write
• in like no about Delaware they write in like no punctu<00:08:59.560> ation<00:08:59.839> and
• I didn’t write letters, but they’re just sort of calling the opposing counsel for their input as well
• the check for the and writes the check for the reimbursement<01:33:11.880> and<01:33:12.280><

Bills: HF747, HF360

Keywords: corporate governance, shareholder rights, beneficial ownership, defective corporate acts, Minnesota Business Corporation Act, trusts, Uniform Trust Code, probate, estate planning, trust protector, directed trust, investment trust advisor, distribution trust advisor, excluded fiduciary, decanting, power of appointment, revocable trust, irrevocable trust, uneconomic trust, rule against perpetuities

Transcript Highlights:

• noted the times when students have been working on documenting, through research and through policy writing
• enforcement career you've investigated cases involving probably some pretty severe violence and had to write
• enforcement career you've investigated cases involving probably some pretty severe violence and had to write
• enforcement career you've investigated cases involving probably some pretty severe violence and had to write
• enforcement career you've investigated cases involving probably some pretty severe violence and had to write

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard testimony from Amber Cameron of the University of Minnesota’s Office for Public Engagement about the University’s Outstanding Community Service Awards and, specifically, the community partner award given to Communities United Against Police Brutality in 2021 and 2024. Cameron explained that the awards program recognizes faculty, staff, students, and community partners, that nominations are reviewed by University selection committees using criteria such as positive societal impact, innovation, extraordinary results, and overall impression, and that the committee evaluates only the application materials. She said the nomination for Communities United Against Police Brutality described a long-standing partnership with the University through student learning, including work through the Center for Community-Engaged Learning and a student white paper connected to the passage of Travis’s Law. Committee members raised concerns about the organization’s history, its public messaging, and whether it was appropriate for the University to honor it. One member argued that the group’s IRS records showed it was formally organized in 2020, questioned claims that it had existed for 25 years, and objected to the organization’s letterhead and activism. Cameron responded that the award does not require formal tax status and that the selection process relies on the nomination packet rather than outside information. She also said the award nomination documented work with 130 course offerings across 17 academic departments and about 1,000 students over 24 years. Cameron further said the award program was being phased out and retooled into a new internal Engaged Scholar Awards program focused on community-engaged scholarship rather than volunteer service. No vote or formal action was taken during the exchange, and the discussion ended with questions about the nomination materials and how the University defines the organization’s work with students and faculty.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is why he is asking to have this put in writing, so people know that the intent cannot be changed
• so now you know know this in writing so now you know know that<01:21:25.120> the<01:21:25.280
• Is there a possibility to write an amendment to put HB 92 into HB 488?
• The chair said he would write the committee report.
• Representative McDonald will write the majority report. Minority report?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They have that ability to then go into that patient's chart, write a new prescription, and say do not
• And then the provider would need to go in and say, do not substitute, write a prescription that says,
• It's now the doctor that's going to have to write, 'do not substitute.'
• Not so much because the physician can write, you know, do not substitute on there, right?
• Not so much, because the physician can write, you know, do not substitute on there, right?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They have that ability to then go into that patient’s chart, write a new prescription, and say do not
• And then the provider would need to go in and say, do not substitute, write a prescription that says,
• It's now the doctor that's going to have to write, 'do not substitute.'
• Not so much because the physician can write, you know, do not substitute on there, right?
• Not so much, because the physician can write, you know, do not substitute on there, right?

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 331 by Sen. Menjivar, which would require large-group health plans to cover hearing aids for children. The author and supporters described the bill as a long-running effort to address a developmental emergency and reduce out-of-pocket costs for families, while opponents were absent. Testimony from parents, advocates, medical experts, and organizations emphasized the importance of early access to hearing aids; committee members voiced strong support, and the bill was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, with several members requesting to be added as coauthors. The committee then heard SB 608, also by Sen. Menjivar, to expand access to condoms in school-based health centers and related settings and to prevent barriers such as ID checks. Supporters, including students and school health advocates, argued the bill would improve sexual health and reduce stigma, while opponents from family and faith groups argued it would undermine parental authority and normalize early sexual activity. The bill was supported by committee members and moved forward on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. Next, SB 971 by Sen. Choi proposed community-based healthy aging partnerships for older adults, with testimony from the California Senior Legislature and supporters from aging and dementia organizations. The measure was described as voluntary and focused on connection, independence, and local collaboration; there was no opposition, and the committee moved it on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 869 by Sen. Weber Pierson, which would require warning icons and statements on chain restaurant menus for beverages with very high added sugar content. Supporters framed it as a transparency and public health measure, while restaurant and beverage industry representatives opposed it unless amended, citing cost and menu-space concerns; the bill was nevertheless moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations after a roll call vote, with some members voting no and the measure placed on call. The committee also considered SB 950 by Sen. Weber Pierson, aimed at ensuring timely coverage of FDA-approved, medically necessary treatments for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease on commercial plans. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association and a patient advocate, said the bill would reduce delays and barriers to care, while health plan representatives opposed it over step therapy and utilization-management concerns. Members discussed the limited treatment window and the need for early access, and the bill was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. In addition, SB 490 by Sen. Umberg would set timelines for DHCS investigations of unlicensed sober living homes and allow counties to assist if the department cannot act in time; supporters from Anaheim and a patient-brokering survivor described serious abuse and oversight gaps, while county behavioral health representatives opposed the county role as an unfunded and potentially liability-creating burden. After discussion, the bill was also moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1037 by Sen. Weber Pierson on health insurance affordability and rate review, with supporters arguing it would tie premium increases more closely to affordability targets and public reporting; the transcript cuts off before the committee completed action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• When reflecting on Jimmy's life and writing his eulogy, these are some of the words I wrote and would
• When reflecting on Jimmy's life and writing his eulogy, these are some of the words I wrote and would
• sightings, but they singled out the CAM department, and they stated that they wanted to put it in writing
• They stated that they wanted to put it in writing for their Hall of Fame, and they plan to come back
• But going to Pappas taught me how to read and write and build my confidence, and because of the teachers

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The special legislative commission on the future of Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children held a hybrid public hearing focused on the hospital’s future, admissions, staffing, infrastructure, and whether the facility should be preserved, expanded, or reimagined. Opening remarks from legislators, commissioners, parents, and union representatives emphasized that Pappas provides a unique combination of medical, rehabilitative, educational, and residential services for children with complex needs, and several speakers argued that the hospital is effectively being depopulated through reduced admissions and ongoing discharges despite public assurances that it remains open. Multiple speakers urged the commission to extend its authorization and continue its work before any closure or major change can occur. Testimony from labor leaders, including AFSCME, SEIU Local 509, and the Massachusetts Nurses Association, described a “silent closure” in practice, with staff reporting confusion about the hospital’s status, declining census numbers, blocked admissions, and uncertainty about the workforce’s future. They called for immediate action to stop admission denials and unnecessary discharges, and some proposed short-term solutions such as temporary modular structures to address infrastructure barriers and allow admissions to resume. Parents and former patients testified that Pappas provided life-changing independence, specialized therapy, and campus-based supports that they said could not be replicated elsewhere, and they criticized alternative placements as inadequate. Commissioner Robert Goldstein of the Department of Public Health said the administration supports keeping Pappas open and funded while the commission works, but he argued that admissions must comply with hospital-level-of-care rules and that the campus’s deteriorating infrastructure limits the kinds of children who can safely be served there. He said the department is continuing admissions for appropriate patients, working to expand outreach and services, and exploring long-term options, including broader statewide models of care. Commissioners pressed him on whether discharge status or lack of a clear discharge plan had been used as a barrier to admission, and requested de-identified data on patients recommended for admission but denied. No formal votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Keith is, I can see him writing it down as we’re talking, that that will help us remember that.
• You know, like you write down whatever the box says, but for people like me and other people with visual
• They're used to writing notes to people that they have to speak to or using their cell phones to use
• It's quicker than writing, and we chose a vendor that we use, and it works very successfully.
• assistance if they are physically or mentally incapable of caring for themselves, as verified in writing

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Keith is, I can see him writing it down as we're talking, and that will help us remember that.
• You know, like you write down whatever the box says, but for people like me and other people with visual
• They're used to writing notes to people that they have to speak to or using their cell phones to use
• assistance if they are physically or mentally incapable of caring for themselves, as verified in writing
• under age 19, if they are physically or mentally incapable of caring for themselves as verified in writing

Summary: The committee first approved the February 11, 2026 minutes and then received an update from the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency on the interagency council on homelessness and continuum of care funding. Testimony described rising homelessness tied to tight housing markets, low incomes, aging homelessness, barriers to rental assistance and public benefits, and limited shelter and case-management capacity. Members discussed the need for more affordable housing, continued one-time funding for the North Dakota Homeless Grant and Housing Incentive Fund, better coordination with Health and Human Services on economic assistance and human service zones, landlord engagement, recovery housing, and reentry housing. The committee also heard that federal continuum of care funding remains uncertain, with possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing and housing-first models; members asked for a future update on the impact if federal rules reduce the share available for permanent housing. The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described current screening and service delivery, including infant referrals, regional staff, short-term programs, and collaboration with vocational rehabilitation. He said the targeted screening system is working, recommended maintaining the current model, and noted ongoing challenges with staffing, public awareness, and accessible state websites and documents. Public testimony from a visually impaired resident and a deaf resident emphasized barriers such as CAPTCHAs, inaccessible PDFs, employment forms that screen out applicants based on driver’s license status, shortages of interpreters, and the need for video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training for users and agencies. Finally, the committee heard a final report on the study of child care provider licensing from HHS Early Childhood Director Kay Larson. The report summarized provider input and committee discussion on simplifying North Dakota’s child care licensing structure, reducing administrative burden, and balancing that with health and safety standards. Key topics included licensing categories, child care assistance eligibility, food program sponsorship, staff qualifications, training requirements, ratios and group size, age bands, and preschool exemptions. The committee’s recommendations included streamlining to three provider types plus a preschool designation, revising ratio and age-band rules, and carrying forward certain preschool outdoor-space exemptions. Larson noted that any changes would require statutory changes, rulemaking, and a transition period before new licensing rules could take effect.