Transcript Highlights:

• , but DHS is not required to do so.
• Senator Utke, can you tell me if this has been reviewed with DHS?
• Do they have been socialized with DHS. Do they have any<00:45:36.160> feedback?
• This is not strictly just DHS and DCYF like we're talking about in this bill.
• Uh this uh have for DHS and DCYF.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing opened with chairs explaining that the program integrity omnibus bill is a combined draft assembled from individual member bills and governor proposals, many of which had already been heard in committee. Members emphasized the compressed end-of-session timeline, said the language was not yet ready for enactment, and invited continued revisions as the bill moves next to judiciary and finance. Several speakers stressed the need for bipartisan collaboration, while also warning that the Legislature must act this session on program integrity rather than defer reforms. The fiscal staff then walked through a spreadsheet showing the bill’s overall budget effects and major provisions. The package includes DHS proposals on transforming human services, market- and receipt-based rate reform, enhanced program and payment integrity, uniform service standards, nursing facility rate changes, ICS reforms, and a repeal/redesign of housing stabilization, along with child care assistance integrity and human services redesign items in DCYF. Staff highlighted that the bill combines multiple sources, including governor proposals and member bills, and noted several items that are also in the supplemental human services budget. Committee discussion focused heavily on prepayment review, remote supports, ICS, and provider accountability. Chairs said the bill would codify prepayment review with a 60-day notice requirement after providers were caught off guard by prior rollout, and that remote supports and ICS language were placeholders or under active debate. One member argued the system needs stronger standards but cautioned against harming compliant providers, while another urged the committee to learn from good providers and warned against repeating failed implementations. Staff also reviewed thematic indexes covering billing and service delivery oversight, EVV, administrative reform, licensing and background studies, provider enrollment, sanctions, and child care provider compliance training. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided. The hearing ended with staff beginning the index walkthrough and members indicating that posted amendments would be considered as the bill advances through the remaining committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have not heard any updates from DHS regarding the outcomes of that investigation or whether or not
• c><00:02:30.360> any<00:02:30.560> updates<00:02:31.360> from<00:02:31.880> DHS
• I have not heard any updates from DHS I have not heard any updates from DHS regarding<00:02:33.040
• :07:29.760> compliance,<00:07:30.720> where<00:07:30.880> top<00:07:31.160> DHS
• DHS officials ignored<00:07:33.680> uh<00:07:34.080> the<00:07:34.400> program<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• A DHS employee driving a DHS vehicle to pick up a foster child for a sibling visit rear-ended another
• DHS denied liability and moved for summary judgment, arguing that the DHS employee was acting outside
• DHS filed a motion for reconsideration, which the commission denied.
• And why is DHS claiming that the employee would not be?
• And why is DHS claiming that they, the employee would not be?

Summary: The committee first reviewed litigation reports from the Department of Labor and Licensing involving wage claims brought under the Arkansas Minimum Wage Act. Members questioned the department’s authority, jurisdiction, use of attorney fees and costs, and whether defendants had to be licensed. The department explained it has long enforced wage and overtime laws, that the claims were small-dollar cases handled by investigators and counsel, and that one case had been paid and dismissed while others were unresolved or had service issues. The committee voted to review or batch-file the labor cases after discussion. The University of Arkansas System then reported three pending lawsuits: an age- and race-discrimination claim by a tenured professor that was resolved early; an ADA/FMLA retaliation claim by a former employee that survived in part on a motion to dismiss and was moving into discovery; and a Section 1983 claim against a UAMS sergeant arising from a parking-ticket dispute, with the university explaining that only punitive damages could create personal exposure for the officer. The committee reviewed each report and voted to accept them. The Department of Finance and Administration presented a proposed tax settlement reducing a sales-and-use tax assessment from about $48,000 to $20,000 and waiving interest and penalties, which the committee approved for review. The Claims Commission then presented several claims: an unpaid salary differential for a Department of Health employee, reissued warrants, unpaid DHS bills, and multiple negotiated settlements involving ATRS, UAMS, Arkansas State Police, and ARDOT. Members approved or affirmed most of these items, including a $65,000 settlement in the Tetronics/ATRS matter, a $150,000 medical-negligence settlement, and several vehicle-accident settlements. The most extended debate involved a tax-delinquent property sale claim by Sharon Greer and relatives. The claimant argued they were not properly notified and sought the $4,200 excess from the 2009 sale. Land Commissioner counsel explained the excess had escheated to the county after the statutory claim period expired, while members debated sovereign immunity, standing, heirs, and whether the committee could or should award money anyway. The committee ultimately chose to hold the matter over for further review in a future joint session rather than decide it immediately. The committee also heard appeals from dismissed claims, including a UAMS medical-negligence claim, a land-sale notice claim, a pothole claim against ARDOT, and a judicial-immunity claim against the Court of Appeals; most dismissals were affirmed, and the Simpson matter was held over for additional review after the claimant testified.

Transcript Highlights:

• I see this as a differential treatment by DHS. Number six, please hold DHS and yourselves, Mr.
• I see this as a differential treatment by DHS. Number six, please hold DHS and yourselves, Mr.
• I see this as a differential treatment by DHS. Number six, please hold DHS and yourselves, Mr.
• I see this as a differential treatment by DHS. Number six, please hold DHS and yourselves, Mr.
• at DHS we have identified<00:43:07.400> ways<00:43:07.599> for<00:43:07.760> DHS

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I was wondering if DHS is in the room and maybe could come speak to it.
• <00:21:06.080> that it is there anybody from DS DHS that it is there anybody from DS DHS that
• Payments are due quarterly, 30 days after receiving an invoice from DHS.
• <01:15:53.040> to increases paragraph M requires DHS to increases paragraph M requires DHS
• <01:32:20.199> with HMA stand ready to support DHS with HMA stand ready to support DHS with

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• They worked with DHS in our committee to put our input as well to this.
• The other considerations you'll see on the bottom of page two, the committee recommended DHS include
• And DHS put extensive effort forth to get public input on the grant consideration.
• The other considerations you'll see on the bottom of page two, the committee recommended DHS include
• We had 24 items here that we said, beyond what you already have in DHS in this application, these are

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: Legislative Management met with a quorum, approved the July 11, 2025 minutes, and then considered recommendations from the Legislative Procedures and Arrangements Committee. Beth Dittes explained proposed special session rule changes, which largely mirror prior special session rules and are intended to speed floor action. The changes would allow faster second readings and transmission between chambers, replace regular standing committees with two joint committees for the special session—Joint Appropriations and Joint Policy—and limit bill introduction methods. The package also included delayed-effective-date changes for the next regular session, such as moving the agency and Supreme Court prefile deadline earlier and advancing several resolution deadlines. Liz Fordall then reviewed revisions to the legislative workplace harassment policy, including clarified definitions, longer intake and review deadlines, an option for informal resolution before a review panel, and clearer disclosure rules. The committee adopted the report and forwarded the rules and policy changes. The committee also approved tentative first-day special session agendas for both chambers, with a Speaker-requested revision to allow time to swear in new House members. Megan Gordon outlined the schedule: early Rules Committee meetings, morning floor sessions, a joint session for the governor’s State of the State, then meetings of the joint appropriations and policy committees, with optional later floor and committee time. Members discussed how the joint committees would handle bills and confirmed the process would mirror the prior special session. The agendas were adopted. Chairman Bekkedahl then reported for the Rural Health Transformation Committee, which had completed its work and recommended five bill drafts for the special session: a Presidential Physical Fitness Test requirement for schools, a nutrition component for physician continuing education, joining a physician assistant licensure compact, expanding pharmacist scope for lab testing and prescribing, and a two-year appropriations bill to cover the program through the next regular session. He explained the federal rural health transformation grant, the state’s application, funding restrictions, and the need to keep the bills aligned with CMS requirements to avoid funding reductions or clawbacks. DHS officials said the department would measure outcomes through required metrics, use templates for awards, and set up an Office of Health Transformation to track long-term impacts. The committee adopted the rural health report and forwarded the bills. Finally, members discussed special-session logistics. Legislative staff said employment committees would approve a limited number of staff, Legislative Management would serve as the delayed-bills committee, and a letter would be sent to legislators explaining the process and a suggested Friday noon drafting deadline for bills to be considered at the January 20 meeting. The committee also discussed how many bills might be introduced and how to assign the rural health bills to the House or Senate for origin. No formal vote was taken on those logistics, and the meeting adjourned with plans to reconvene on January 20.

Transcript Highlights:

• the you know DHS the you know DHS to<00:36:27.440> be<00:36:27.520> able<00:36:27.760
• inspector general for uh for DHS. inspector general for uh for DHS.
• within DHS. within DHS.
• which Minnesota does through its DHS. which Minnesota does through its DHS.
• Again looking at how DHS IG operates.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Legislative Audit Commission Evaluation Subcommittee met on October 6, 2025, to choose additional program evaluation topics for the Office of the Legislative Auditor. Deputy Legislative Auditor Jody Mson Rodriguez explained that the commission had previously selected seven topics from an initial list of 11, with background papers already prepared on five of those items, and that the subcommittee was now being asked to select five more topics for background papers before narrowing the full set to four recommendations later in the fall or early spring. Members discussed several possible topics, especially emergency medical services, non-emergency medical transportation, MinnesotaCare eligibility, child care assistance, medical assistance fraud prevention, and U.S. Bank Stadium. David Kersner of OLA said emergency medical services and non-emergency medical transportation are distinct programs, and noted the EMS topic was evaluated in 2022 while non-emergency medical transportation had not been reviewed since 2011. Auditor Judy Randall said MinnesotaCare eligibility, child care assistance, and medical assistance fraud prevention are better suited to OLA’s financial audit division or special review unit rather than program evaluation, and that financial audits and special reviews do not require Legislative Audit Commission nomination. On process, Mson Rodriguez said the subcommittee had already met its minimum required selections under the commission’s policy and was free to choose additional topics. The discussion also covered whether to broaden the stadium topic beyond U.S. Bank Stadium; staff said the U.S. Bank financing structure alone would be a major undertaking, but they could help craft a future topic focused on maintenance across multiple facilities. No final vote or motion was taken in the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair indicated the committee would continue nominations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Meredith Nichols here for DHS. DHS. DHS.
• Um, for DHS, hi, good morning.
• Um, DHS, you have our testimony. Meredith Nichols on behalf of DHS.
• Um, chair, also for DHS, sorry.
• Um, chair, also for DHS, sorry.

Bills: HB2488, HB2456

Keywords: disability, communication access, deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, healthcare, sign language interpreters, auxiliary aids, weight loss, GLP-1 drugs, obesity, Medicaid, healthcare costs, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HP 1972, which would create a nonrefundable family caregiver tax credit, and on a related tax measure to increase the existing dependent care tax credit. Supporters of HP 1972, including AARP, the Executive Office on Aging, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and others, said unpaid caregivers are essential to keeping kūpuna and other loved ones at home and described significant out-of-pocket costs. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation raised technical concerns, including the need to avoid overlap with existing credits and to prevent double-dipping. The department said taxpayers can claim credits to the extent allowed, but recommended explicit language barring the same costs from being claimed under more than one credit. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair moved the bill along after questions. The committee then heard HP 1975, which would repeal the sunset on the state rent supplement program for kūpuna. AARP, Catholic Charities Hawaii, the Executive Office on Aging, and others supported making the program permanent, saying it helps low-income older adults avoid eviction and homelessness and allows them to remain in affordable housing. Catholic Charities described clients who were paying unsustainable shares of income for rent before receiving the supplement. Members also shared a constituent example of an elderly retiree who needed the subsidy to stay housed. Written support was noted from additional organizations and individuals. Next, the committee took up HB 1706, which would expand Medicaid prospective payment reimbursement to include mental health services furnished in federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics by mental health professionals under supervision. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill, and DHS said it appreciated the intent to address workforce shortages and expand training, but cautioned that unlicensed professionals cannot currently bill Medicaid and that a state plan amendment would be needed, with limited precedent for approval. Members asked about the likelihood and timing of federal approval and whether the bill could help rural areas; DHS said approval is uncertain and the process can take time, though it saw possible alignment with the state’s rural health transformation efforts. The committee also discussed HB 546, a three-year health coverage continuity pilot program for people losing Medicaid coverage. DHS, the Attorney General’s office, DCCA, Catholic Charities, the University of Hawaii, and others testified, with DHS warning that federal changes could increase uninsured rates and that the state may need to act quickly. Catholic Charities and others emphasized the risk to Medicaid recipients, including homeless and near-elderly residents, while DHS explained the state’s existing premium assistance program for certain immigrants and compared it to the proposed pilot. The excerpt ends during discussion of that comparison, with no vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you help me understand why DHS did not...
• Can you help me understand why DHS did not retain this individual?
• And I would just say for DHS to be aware, it would be helpful for DHS at some point to explain their
• Did Mohave County go back to DHS? Madam Chair, Representative Biasiucci, did you go back to DHS?
• DHS, ASH, and ACCESS need to get them built and staffed and supported.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2307, as amended, which would require the Department of Health Services to contract with out-of-state secure mental health facilities when Arizona beds are unavailable for certain involuntary commitment cases involving defendants found dangerous and incompetent. The sponsor and supporters framed it as an emergency stopgap to prevent individuals who are deemed non-restorable from being released because Arizona lacks secure behavioral health beds, while opponents argued it would raise due process, disability rights, family access, and cost concerns, and questioned whether the state could even implement such interstate placements. After debate, the committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and advanced HB 2307 on a 6-5 due pass vote. The committee then heard House Bill 2083, which updates diabetes-related coverage language in health plans to include newer devices and supplies such as continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and smart insulin pens. Supporters said the bill modernizes outdated statutes and improves access and outcomes for people with diabetes, while an insurer representative offered soft opposition, warning that writing these items into statute could create a state mandate and potential cost exposure, especially if the language is read to include GLP-1 medications. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and moved HB 2083 forward on an 11-1 due pass vote. Next, House Bill 2673 was heard, addressing mental health screening and treatment for incarcerated people. The sponsor said the bill was being reworked into a study committee concept after stakeholder feedback, but the underlying proposal would require prompt evaluation of prisoners showing mental disorder symptoms and faster referral for treatment. A family member testified about her son’s severe deterioration in jail and death, while an attorney opposed the bill as overbroad and legally problematic. Despite the sponsor’s indication that the bill would become a study committee, the committee voted 12-0 to give HB 2673 a due pass recommendation. The committee also advanced House Bill 2923, which revises timelines, procedures, and notice requirements for judicial review of court-ordered mental health treatment; supporters said it clarifies outdated language and improves communication with families, while opponents argued it shifts burdens onto patients and could prolong confinement. HB 2923 also received a 12-0 due pass vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• million um is allocated out of the DHS million um is allocated out of the DHS budget<00:18:52.159
• does not have specifics as noted by DHS does not have specifics as noted by DHS it<00:24:59.880>
• I have a question for DHS. Thank you for providing testimony with some numbers.
• Next up, we have DHS. Good morning, we're tag-teaming today.
• We would work with DHS.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Human Services and Homelessness met on February 6, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures. HB 44, which would appropriate funds to the Department of Human Services to work with community-based organizations on social services needs, drew broad support from nonprofit providers and coalitions that said contracts and reimbursement rates have not kept pace with the actual cost of services, leaving agencies unable to retain staff or meet demand. DHS said it supported the bill’s intent but asked for clarification because the language was broad and did not specify which organizations or how funds should be allocated. Committee members and the bill’s introducer discussed how to make the measure more specific and equitable, including whether to set a percentage increase, use a baseline date, and direct DHS to distribute funds among different program areas; the True Cost Coalition and DHS agreed to follow up in writing with proposed language and a funding number. The committee then heard HB 1349, which would authorize Medicaid/CHIP coverage for income-qualified pregnant persons and children regardless of immigration status. Supporters, including the Legal Clinic, Aloha Care, and the Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights, said the bill would improve prenatal and child health, reduce the chilling effect of immigration enforcement on care-seeking, and help prevent premature or underweight births by ensuring earlier access to providers. DHS provided comments and the committee asked where the measure would fit in the budget; the department identified the relevant budget code. Written testimony in support came from multiple advocacy and health organizations and dozens of individuals. Finally, the committee heard HB 613, which would appropriate funds to DHS for emergency shelter and services for unaccompanied homeless youth. The Office of the Public Defender, the Statewide Office of Homelessness and Housing Solutions, the Office of Youth Services, Rise, the Hawaiʻi State LGBTQ+ Commission, and others supported the bill, emphasizing youth homelessness, the need for coordinated shelter and outreach, and the high share of LGBTQ+ youth among homeless minors. OYS asked that the committee consider funding its existing Safe Spaces pilot rather than creating a new program, while DHS said it supported the intent but wanted clarification because multiple department programs could be implicated. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair instead requested follow-up language and funding information for HB 44 and continued the measures for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• How did you how did DHS investigator.
• DHS even though you've not named them. DHS even though you've not named them.
• uh still at uh DHS uh still at uh DHS and<00:46:43.200> hearing<00:46:43.520> these
• DHS has never reached out to me despite the fact that I invited DHS as a whole and Shireen Gandhi to
• DHS has never reached out to me despite DHS has never reached out to me despite the<00:51:00.720>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I commend DHS, the staff at DHS, and AMC for engaging in this collaborative work to develop CARMA.
• Would DHS care to come up and comment on the drafting of this legislation? Thank you.
• I'm happy to answer questions that DHS could respond to.
• I'm the pharmacy director at DHS. The language here was structured after the Ohio.
• We had no new proposals when it comes to DHS in this jurisdiction.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then DHS can use the contracting process to address that in real time.
• DHS received approval from the federal government to start CFSS on February 27, 2024.
• yes I mean we've had meetings with DHS yes I mean we've had meetings with DHS about<01:03:37.799
• <01:04:00.279> and I support we were able to call DHS and I support we were able to call DHS
• <01:34:43.239> before Works to submit a plan to DHS before Works to submit a plan to DHS before

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also removes provisions related to DHS off-site investigations and complaint resolution and
• requires, by December 31, 2026, and every four years thereafter on October 31, DHS to submit a written
• The bill also removes provisions related to DHS off-site investigations and complaint resolution and
• requires, by December 31, 2026, and every four years thereafter on October 31, DHS to submit a written
• Lastly, the bill appropriates $600,000 in fiscal year 2027 from the State General Fund to DHS for the

Bills: SB1017, SB1149, SB1162, SB1192, SB1249, SB1253, SB1331, SB1333, SB1334

Keywords: informed consent, surgical procedures, healthcare professionals, patient rights, regulatory compliance, child welfare, dependency hearings, foster care, court procedures, parental rights, healthcare compliance, behavioral health technicians, licensing, monitoring, administrative burdens, basic first aid, good samaritan, medical licensing exemption, Arizona medical board, A.R.S. 32-1421

Summary: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee opened with approval of the January 28 and 29 minutes and a welcome to Arizona Physical Therapy Day at the Capitol, including remarks from physical therapy advocates and students. The committee then took up several bills related to SNAP, health care oversight, child welfare, dementia planning, and safe haven newborn surrender. On SNAP, SB 1334 would bar DES from seeking or renewing federal waivers of work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents unless authorized by law; it passed 4-1. SB 1333 would require DES to reduce the SNAP payment error rate to 3% by 2030, with regular reporting, corrective action plans, and possible funding penalties; an amendment changed the reporting to quarterly and required a special audit, and the bill passed 4-1 as amended. SB 1331 would require able-bodied adults under 60 receiving SNAP to participate in mandatory employment and training unless exempt; testimony split between supporters citing work incentives and opponents warning of administrative burden and impacts on families and food banks, and it passed 4-2. The committee also advanced SB 1162, which clarifies DHS as the lead licensing and monitoring agency for health care institutions and, as amended, requires DHS and AHCCCS/Access to coordinate to identify duplicative oversight and report back periodically; it passed unanimously. SB 1017, requiring signatures on emergency informed consent forms for surgical procedures, passed 4-2. SB 1149, dealing with DCS periodic review hearings and notice/reporting requirements, including for tribal parties, passed 5-1. SB 1249, which designates DHS as the lead agency on Alzheimer’s and dementia planning and creates a dementia services program funded through lottery monies under the adopted amendment, passed unanimously after emotional testimony from advocates and family members. Finally, SB 1253, clarifying that a parent may surrender a newborn at the hospital of birth without leaving and returning, passed 5-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 282 establishes the Childhood Cancer and Rare Childhood Disease Research Commission within DHS
• The Senate amended the bill to require the DHS director, rather than the commission, to award the grants
• We're working with DHS.
• We're working with DHS.
• We're working with DHS.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, it's DHS. It's the attorney general.
• Oh, it's DHS. It's the attorney general.
• Oh, it's DHS. It's the attorney general.
• Oh, it's DHS. It's the attorney general.
• Oh, it's DHS. It's the attorney general.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This is just half of those sections, related to DHS-licensed settings.
• All these sections the DHS policy bill.
• c><00:16:26.120> proposal, Section 35 is a DHS proposal, Section 35 is a DHS proposal, um,<00:
• It's not a DHS language.
• I don't like It's not a DHS language.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• DHS to enhance oversight over MCOs. DHS to enhance oversight over MCOs.
• within DHS within DHS and<01:04:31.160> we<01:04:31.280> need<01:04:31.480> to<
• Again, DHS created this.
• Again, DHS created this.
• But now the flat DHS created.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:40:39.520> DH<00:40:40.160> DHS<00:40:40.880> and qualifying measures on
• DH DHS and qualifying measures on that.
• DH DHS and the<00:40:41.200> counties<00:40:42.000> have<00:40:42.320> worked<00
• that DHS could respond to. that DHS could respond to.
• I'm the pharmacy director at DHS.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• As I have said before, DHS has a zero tolerance for fraud. My goal at DHS is straightforward.
• My goal at DHS is tolerance for fraud.
• <00:03:20.760> these And DHS is actively implementing these And DHS is actively implementing
• required by DHS. required by DHS.
• and<01:07:16.920> legislators' We welcome DHS audits and legislators' We welcome DHS audits

Bills: HF3542

Keywords: data privacy, investigative data, welfare system, public funds, transparency, 1183, house