Transcript Highlights:

• The two main types of programs in Louisiana are hospital-based programs, typically found in emergency
• Our program is a little bit different than what Tammy had stated as her program.
• program is a little bit different.
• So our programs both are 24/7, 365 days a year crisis programs.
• We had a youth—so a lot of times, right, we talked about how often these youth interact with different

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The first meeting of the Human Trafficking and Emergency Department Task Force focused on implementing Act 267 of 2025, which created the body to develop a statewide human trafficking protocol to be incorporated into regional sexual assault response plans. Chair Rep. Kelly Hennessy Dickerson and Office of Human Trafficking Prevention Director Mary Kate Andrepont outlined the task force’s goal of producing a practical, transferable protocol for hospitals and emergency departments across Louisiana, with help from Heal Trafficking. Members and presenters repeatedly emphasized that the protocol should be trauma-informed, survivor-centered, multidisciplinary, and adaptable to different regions and health systems. Hospital, SANE, and advocacy presenters described current practices and gaps. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport’s Operation Rahab and FMOLHS’s policies highlighted staff education, badge buddies, private screening, reporting pathways, and coordination with the National Human Trafficking Hotline, law enforcement, DCFS, and local advocates. SANE nurses and forensic staff stressed that most trafficking victims pass through emergency departments and that subtle behavioral indicators, rapport-building, and broad staff education are critical. LaFASA described statewide sexual assault advocacy services, emphasizing 24-hour crisis response, legal support, and the role of advocates in helping survivors understand options and regain control. Child and youth trafficking specialists from DCFS-contracted programs, including Unbound Now and BCFS/Common Thread, explained Louisiana’s Act 662 response for minors, which routes reports into coordinated advocacy and care coordination. They said their teams respond statewide within 90 minutes, provide crisis support, and work with CACs, hospitals, and law enforcement. Members raised concerns about major service gaps, especially for adults, transportation, safe housing, and specialized placements for survivors with disabilities. Presenters also noted that male survivor housing remains limited, though Eden Centers now offers some beds. The task force also reviewed a needs assessment showing many hospitals lack mandatory trafficking training, screening practices, written protocols, and confidence in identifying victims. Members discussed expanding education beyond ED staff to residents, nursing schools, student health, mental health, housekeeping, maintenance, and law enforcement. No formal votes were taken, but the chair said the survey results and testimony would be used to draft a protocol before the next meeting, with a final draft to follow after further review and feedback.

Transcript Highlights:

• Power Is Yours is the youth-led advocacy branch of More Than Words, working with youth groups dealing
• diversion programs.
• The Department of Youth Services, which handles cases involving youthful offenders, The Department of
• If you are found responsible as a youthful offender, you can be If you are found responsible as a youthful
• I'm a youth coordinator from Palante Transforming Justice, a youth-led nonprofit based in Holyoke, Mass

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with procedural remarks and acknowledgments of Rosh Hashanah, followed by testimony on several criminal justice bills before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. A major focus was S. 1061, the “Raise the Age” bill, which would gradually move 18- to 20-year-olds into the juvenile justice system. Supporters included youth and young adult advocates, former juvenile court Judge Jay Blitzman, ACLU and CPCS representatives, Roca, United Way, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, and Senator Brendan Crichton. They argued that young adults are still developmentally immature, that juvenile court services improve education and rehabilitation, and that adult-system involvement leads to higher recidivism and racial disparities. Committee members asked practical questions about how the bill would work, and witnesses explained that it would expand access to juvenile court diversion, probation, and DYS services for the covered age group. The chairs also noted a notice issue, clarifying that the hearing had been posted seven days in advance rather than the usual ten. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to revise accomplice and joint venture murder liability and sentencing. Representative Sam Montaño and Senator Liz Miranda supported the reform, arguing that current law can impose life sentences on people with limited or no knowledge of a killing and that the doctrine contributes to racial bias and disproportionate punishment. A law professor, a former defendant, and advocates from the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls described cases where people were punished far beyond their actual role and said the bill would better align charges and sentences with individual culpability. Related testimony also supported a proportionality-focused reform to reduce the harshness of joint venture sentencing. Several other public safety and criminal justice bills drew testimony. Senator Robin Kennedy supported a bill redefining strangulation in domestic violence law, saying the current “substantial pressure” standard is too vague and that strangulation is often lethal without visible injury. District Attorney Ryan and a retail business executive backed a bill on organized retail theft, saying it would give prosecutors more flexible charging options and better address coordinated theft rings. Representative Vieira and the family of Kiana Barros urged action on Kiana’s Law, which would improve restraining-order notification and enforcement after Barros’s daughter was killed after an order was not served. The hearing also included support for the HALO Act, which would create a 25-foot safety zone around first responders and penalize harassment or obstruction, and for a bill to enhance courthouse security by creating specific protections for judges and their families. No votes were taken during the hearing."} 0}]}

Transcript Highlights:

• Treatment programs have wait lists. Some programs are unavailable.
• So here's part of the challenge is that any of the programs, well, let me ask the, in regards to...
• Any of the programs, well, let me ask, in regards to the mandated program, and I had it written down
• The challenge is not all counties have the same capacity, and not all programs start when somebody's
• Alliance, Youth Forward, Youth Law Center, and Youth Leadership Institute.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Youth of the Year program is a premier leadership and recognition initiative that honors exceptional
• He has been an active member of the Davis-Monthan Youth Programs for more than eight years, where he
• He has been an active member of the Davis-Monthan Youth Programs for more than eight years, where he
• The Youth of the Year program is a premier leadership recognition initiative.
• She has been an active member of the Luke Air Force Base Youth Program for nine years.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day, Dr. May Modi. Members then spent much of the opening portion introducing guests and honoring Arizona Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year candidates from across the state, along with a proclamation recognizing the Junior League of Phoenix for its civic service and volunteerism. The chamber also heard a personal privilege statement marking Denim Day and Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Month. On the floor, the House first rejected Senate amendments to HB 2010 and appointed a conference committee. In Committee of the Whole, members considered several Senate bills and adopted do-pass recommendations on SB 1009, SB 1046, SB 1143, SB 1221 as amended, SB 1613, SB 1013, SB 1338, SB 1121 as amended, SB 1318, SB 1549, and SB 1786 as amended, while retaining SB 1270, SB 1400, and SB 1582 on the calendar. Testimony and debate focused on SB 1013’s merit-based hiring language and concerns about discrimination protections, SB 1338’s public benefits eligibility provisions, SB 1540’s fuel theft provisions and a related amendment, SB 1121’s radiation protection for health care workers, and SB 1318’s cleanup of conflicting breast cancer notification language. The House then took up third-reading votes and passed SB 1113, SB 1193, SB 1448, and SB 1503, with SB 1503 receiving the required three-quarters vote for an emergency measure. Members also moved to not concur in Senate amendments to HB 2003 and appointed another conference committee. The day ended with adjournment until 10 a.m. the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whereas federal funding cuts to programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, public broadcasting
• That is the challenge I leave you with today.
• He wanted the very best from many challengers he engaged with.
• youthful offender in the delinquency act.
• hearing, providing the children, youth, and family...

Transcript Highlights:

• It ensures that justice-involved youth includes not just adjudicated youth, but also youth who are subject
• However, the proposed reforms in SB 165, specifically allowing for more youthful and serious youthful
• offenders to be held in custody, ...allowing for more youthful and serious youthful offenders to be
• like a youth fund at some point.
• youthful offenders.

Bills: SB41, SB153, SB165, SB261, SB264

Keywords: sexual crimes, statute of limitations, criminal justice, victim rights, child abuse, procurement, contracting, small business, local government, disaster recovery, emergency procurement, certification, public spending, juvenile justice, delinquency, rehabilitation, community corrections, risk assessment, public safety, health regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• The Youth Transition Program at Life Skills is dedicated to supporting youth in crisis who require stabilization
• The program serves as a vital bridge, equipping youth with the necessary skills to reintegrate successfully
• The Youth Transition Program at Life Skills is dedicated to supporting youth in crisis who require stabilization
• The program serves as a vital bridge equipping youth with the necessary skills to reintegrate successfully
• for stable and specialized solution for our youth are in crisis, the Life Skills Youth Transition Program

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The North Dakota House convened with prayer, roll call, and recognition of guests and student visitors, then moved through a long calendar of resolutions and bills. Early in the session, members honored Mandan High School’s e-sports team for state championships and recognized House Minority Leader Zachary Ista’s birthday. The House then passed HCR 3037 unanimously, urging mandatory reporting requirements for public officials, after committee support and remarks emphasizing accountability in public office. The chamber then considered numerous Senate amendments and final-passage votes on bills covering ambulance service grants (HB 1597), Public Service Commission records and open meetings (HB 1110 and HB 1063), squatter/trespass law (HB 1305), nonconforming structures in local governments (HB 1500), academic tenure policy (HB 1437), retirement eligibility for correctional officers and state radio dispatchers (HB 1274 and HB 1419), a Medicaid dental study (HB 1567), above-ground fuel storage tank regulation (HB 1058), gaming site authorization procedures (HB 1615), an oil extraction tax incentive outside the Bakken and Three Forks formations (HB 1483), and simple assault protections for hospital workers (HB 1341). Most of these measures passed, though HB 1231, which would have created a study on early discontinuation of sex offender registration, failed on final passage. A major point of debate was Senate Bill 2354, which would restrict student use of personal electronic devices during the school day in public and nonpublic schools, with exceptions for medical and special education needs and annual reporting on impacts. Supporters argued it would improve focus, behavior, and mental health, while opponents raised concerns about private-school regulation, logistics, liability, and duplication with a similar bill. The House passed SB 2354, and also passed SB 2112, which temporarily authorizes the Life Skills and Transition Center to serve certain non-eligible youth in crisis, despite objections that the facility should remain focused on developmental disabilities and concerns about repeating past institutional problems. The House also debated and rejected HB 1300 on legislative term limits after extensive discussion about whether the Senate’s date change altered the effect of the voter-approved measure. The session ended with announcements, committee notices, and adjournment until April 8, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't want to see the program go away.
• The only state that has put that into their IOTA program throughout the whole 40-plus programs, 50 programs
• delegate, a Foster Youth in Action core member.
• National Foster Youth Institute Congressional delegate, a Foster Youth in Action core member, the statewide
• chair of Florida Youth Shine, a finalist in the Selfless Love Foundation Dream Tank, a youth advisory

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and considered a wide range of bills, including early learning and special needs funding (SB 1102), Israel bond investment authority (SB 1674), Parkinson’s disease research at USF (SB 1800), mental health and substance use disorder reforms (SB 1620), veterans nursing home beds (SB 788), securities regulation updates (SB 988), labor pool regulation (SB 1672), Alzheimer’s awareness (SB 398), educator preparation (SB 1590), student mental health reporting (SB 1310), specialty license plates (SB 824), financial institutions and IOTA-related issues (SB 1612), transportation facility designations (SB 1408), utility worker protections (SB 1386), DNA testing grants (SB 1072), the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys (SB 364), housing support for former foster youth and homeless students (SB 584), sex offender registration changes (SB 1654), migrant vessel disposal (SB 830), commuter rail indemnification (SB 916), juvenile justice revisions (SB 1344), aggravating factors in capital cases (SB 984), and a criminal offender substance abuse pilot program (SB 1140). Most bills were explained by sponsors, often with supportive testimony from affected agencies, advocacy groups, or industry representatives, and several were amended before final action. The committee adopted amendments on many measures, including clarifications and effective-date changes for SB 1102; technical changes to SB 1620 implementing mental health commission recommendations; a delete-all amendment for SB 1620; an amendment to SB 988; a consumer-disclosure amendment on SB 1612; and multiple amendments to SB 1408, SB 364, SB 584, SB 1654, and SB 1344. SB 1672 on the Labor Pool Act drew extensive public testimony in opposition from worker advocates, who argued repeal would weaken protections for temp workers and formerly incarcerated workers, and the bill was temporarily postponed to a later meeting without a vote. Several bills received notable testimony in support, including SB 584, where former foster youth described housing instability and the importance of campus housing and federal voucher coordination; SB 1386, which was backed by utility and industry groups seeking stronger penalties for assaults on utility workers; and SB 984, which drew opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops over expansion of death penalty aggravators. The committee also heard support and opposition on SB 1612 regarding IOTA interest rates and legal aid funding, with bankers and civil legal aid representatives disputing the proper rate structure and whether the bill conflicted with Florida Bar rules. At the end of the meeting, the committee reported all voted-on bills favorably, including SB 1102, SB 1674, SB 1800, SB 1620, SB 788, SB 988, SB 398, SB 1590, SB 1310, SB 824, SB 1612, SB 1408, SB 1386, SB 1072, SB 364, SB 584, SB 1654, SB 830, SB 916, SB 1344, SB 984, and SB 1140. Members also requested to be recorded on various bills, and the committee adjourned after noting one remaining meeting would be lengthy.

Transcript Highlights:

• , we were able to work through some of those challenges, and at this time, all of our programs are operating
• We were able to work through some of those challenges, and at this time, all of our programs are operating
• in community garden projects, related health and wellness projects, youth education support programs,
• youth career exploration, work experience, cultural and language programs, addressing intergenerational
• We support youth and parents through after-school and summer academies, literacy, and STEM programs,

Summary: The Senate and Assembly Human Services Committees held a special oversight hearing on California’s 2026-27 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) state plan, a federal anti-poverty funding stream. Committee members opened by citing statewide poverty and homelessness data and said the hearing was meant to review how CSBG dollars are used, how local agencies respond to community needs, and how the state is preparing for possible federal funding cuts. Jason Wimbley of the Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) explained that California’s CSBG network works through 60 organizations in 58 counties, serving about 1.5 million low-income Californians in 2023, and that the state received $68.4 million in federal CSBG funds in fiscal year 2025. He described the program as flexible funding used for housing, employment, education, food, health, transportation, and emergency response, and noted that the federal administration had proposed eliminating CSBG, though the Senate Appropriations Committee had voted to fully fund it for the coming year. Representatives from the California Community Action Partnership Association and several CSBG-funded agencies described how the program supports local anti-poverty work and leverages other funding. CalCAPA emphasized local flexibility, workforce development, partnerships, and data systems such as ROMA, while also warning that agencies are preparing for possible reductions by tightening budgets, planning staffing contingencies, and seeking private foundation support. Agency witnesses from Contra Costa County, Northern California Indian Development Council, Proteus, and Sacred Heart Community Service described services including housing assistance, food distribution, utility help, employment training, youth programs, and culturally specific services for Native communities and migrant farmworkers. They repeatedly said CSBG is essential because it funds staffing and infrastructure that allow them to braid other grants and serve people who do not qualify for standard safety-net programs. Members also asked about the impact of federal staffing changes and the Los Angeles fires. Wimbley said federal layoffs had affected some CSD programs but not CSBG administration, and that the department coordinated disaster response with state agencies and used CSBG-funded supply distribution, food, water, clothing, and documentation support during the fires. Witnesses said they were preparing for possible future cuts by diversifying funding, reducing expenses, and considering service changes, while county officials warned that state and federal reductions could not be backfilled locally. During public comment, one speaker urged stronger oversight of community action agencies and raised concerns about transparency and compliance with state law. The chair then thanked the witnesses, emphasized the importance of CSBG for low-income seniors, youth, and people with disabilities, and adjourned the hearing without any votes or formal action taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• programs that we've supported as well.
• Homelessness Demonstration Program.
• Programs.
• We have a job challenge program that we are working with the National Guard that are getting at-risk
• They've had it down at Youth Challenge in Roswell or NMMI for 20-something years.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A youth mental health support request of $1 million will support a current program that was funded last
• The mental health issues of youth, not only at the front end where our program services are working with
• The mental health issues of youth, not only at the front end where our program services are working with
• The mental health issues of youth, not only at the front end where our program services are working with
• The mental health issues of youth, not only at the front end where our program services are working with

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:24.199> local report on the successful programs local report on the successful programs
• that's sort of a a bat school program that's sort of a a diversionary<00:09:48.959> program<00
• <00:09:56.600> it's criminal prosecution uh program it's criminal prosecution uh program it's
• <00:16:02.040> for the Minnesota alliance with youth for the Minnesota alliance with youth
• counties and those different programs counties and those different programs too<00:42:59.880>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that if we are if we enter the program that if we are if we enter the program we<00:38:47.160>
• <00:41:55.920> and we're all aware of the challenges and we're all aware of the challenges
• <00:42:04.119> at we're also aware of the challenges at we're also aware of the challenges
• Sections 2 and 25 establish a youth care professional training program to deliver required training for
• Sections 2 and 25 establish a youth care professional training program to deliver required training for

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ENHANCE PUBLIC SAFETY THROUGH HIGH QUALITY EFFECTIVE SERVICE FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES DELIVERED BY WORLD
• I PROVIDE CYCLE THERAPY TO THE POPULATION AND STARTED THREE PROGRAMS TO HELP COPS IN FLORIDA.
• HOUSING FOR CARING YOUTH WHO HAVE BEEN ARRESTED AND OUR PUBLIC SAFETY THREAT.
• COLUMBUS YOUTH ACADEMY THAT HIS BOYS. MODERATE RISK. CAPACITY IS 50 UP TO THE AGE OF 19.
• SO I CAN'T TAKE A COMPLEX MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE YOUTH AND PUT THEM IN A SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAM.

Transcript Highlights:

• programming work to really focus on ensuring that we're supporting youth in after-school programs, which
• What they're doing is they're really integrating training programs, introductory programs with their
• programs?
• your own program. and how you're working with the youth through those types of mentoring programs, much
• Stengel, to some of the youth violence interruption programs that you talked about?

Transcript Highlights:

• them overcome their challenges.
• So they do have an art program.
• > to<01:03:01.280> earn<01:03:01.440> a program or vocational program to earn a program
• psychiatry residency programs. psychiatry residency programs.
• for Kentucky Youth Advocates. for Kentucky Youth Advocates.

Keywords: 958, all

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:

• To this end, DCF recently established its own statewide youth advisory board, which is a youth-led, self-standing
• Advisory Council and other programs.
• their input on ways to address challenges and opportunities for youth in the child welfare system and
• So that more foster youth have similar experiences.
• . program, and I see how it works in Miami-Dade County, a program called ADAPT.

Transcript Highlights:

• The challenge we think that many of them are going to have is that they support the value of the program
• address some of their longer-term cost challenges and sustain existing programs.
• address some of their longer term cost challenges, sustain existing programs. the other three points
• . longer term cost challenges, sustain existing programs.
• But the actual challenge on the ground is that districts will start planning out programs.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met for its annual Proposition 98 overview, with Chair Alvarez outlining the committee’s focus on K-12 funding, student outcomes, and use of one-time funds. Superintendent Tony Thurmond gave an update on education issues, including wildfire recovery support for affected school communities, ongoing concerns about federal threats to education funding and immigration enforcement, progress on literacy and math, dual-language immersion, educator housing, and support for dual enrollment. Members broadly expressed support for these priorities, while also raising concerns about implementation, funding stability, and the need for schools to remain safe places for students. The committee then reviewed the Governor’s Proposition 98 proposal. The Department of Finance said the 2025-26 Proposition 98 guarantee is projected at $118.9 billion, with higher revenues and TK-related rebenching driving the increase. The LAO said the budget adds about $7.5 billion over two years and discussed the volatility of the guarantee, especially in 2024-25, when changes in revenue could have an outsized effect on school funding. Members questioned the proposed $1.6 billion delayed settle-up payment, the legal basis for delaying it, and the impact of possible federal funding freezes. The LAO presented alternatives such as a reserve deposit or delayed disbursement, while Finance said the proposal is intended to manage uncertainty. Members also raised concerns that ethnic studies implementation was not funded in the January budget, and Finance said the administration was not proposing funding for it. The committee next heard on the Proposition 98 rainy day fund and education deferrals. Finance said the reserve would receive a mandatory deposit of about $1.2 billion in 2024-25 and a discretionary deposit of $376 million in 2025-26, leaving a balance of about $1.5 billion. The LAO supported rebuilding the reserve as a way to manage volatility. On deferrals, Finance described the Governor’s plan to eliminate remaining deferrals by 2025-26, and the LAO said paying them off improves cash flow and budget resilience. Members generally supported eliminating deferrals and rebuilding reserves, though some asked about acting earlier if revenues allow. The committee also reviewed the proposed $1.8 billion student support and professional development block grant; Finance said it would fund professional development, recruitment and retention, and dual enrollment, while the LAO recommended clearer language on local discretion and use for one-time costs. Members were divided, with some supporting flexibility and others warning that one-time block grants can create instability and confusion for districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our CRDP is a Sweet Potato Project, and on behalf of the 300-plus youth that Completed our program in
• For many youth, including myself, these programs are lifelines.
• I am the program analyst for our elderly program, and I strongly urge that we do not cut our funding
• The program requires a 30-year covenant to continue serving ISTs for 30 years, and for some programs,
• understanding of program costs.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:04:06.799> Our<01:04:07.119> programming that support youth.
• Our programming that support youth.
• They represent adults and youth that received nutrition education through our nutrition education program
• youth, but adults take care of youth. youth, but adults take care of youth.
• And that's oftentimes implemented through our 4-H youth development programming.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Make America Healthy Kentucky Task Force met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then heard a presentation on the state’s “food is medicine” efforts. Chair Funky Fromm opened by describing a recent foot injury from a road hazard and used it to emphasize the importance of infrastructure, nutrition, sleep, and activity as part of a broader wellness culture. The main witnesses were Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell, Holly Harris of Appalachian Regional Health Care (ARH), and Jim Muser of the Kentucky Hospital Association. Shell and Harris described a partnership between the Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Hospital Association, and hospitals such as ARH to connect local farmers with hospital cafeterias, farmers markets, CSA-style subscription food boxes, and medically tailored meals. Harris said ARH serves a large region with 14 hospitals, more than 95 clinics, about 6,700 employees, and 1,300 medical staff, and that the system began by improving employee food options because hospital workers often have limited access to healthy meals during shifts. They reported examples such as a local-protein burger, parking-lot farmers markets, subsidized CSA boxes for employees, and plans for container gardens at some hospitals. The witnesses said the program is intended to improve health outcomes, reduce readmissions, support chronic disease management, and also increase rural prosperity by expanding demand for Kentucky farm products. Shell said more than 40 hospitals had already been onboarded into the food-is-medicine program, with measurable outcomes being studied through pilots such as one at Russell County Hospital. He also noted that some systems, including CHI St. Joseph Health, Taylor Regional, and UK King’s Daughters, have formally embedded food-as-medicine goals into strategic plans. Members and witnesses also discussed barriers, especially the lack of reimbursement, fragmented short-term funding, and regulatory or purchasing hurdles that make it difficult for small farmers to participate. Shell said the goal is to make the model scalable and easier for hospitals and farmers to navigate, while Harris emphasized that ARH has been funding its efforts without reimbursement because of its mission. No votes or formal policy actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.