Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2984 directs the Department of Human Services to request... ...1984 directs the Department
• of Human Services to request a waiver to allow SNAP dollars to only be spent within Oklahoma.
• Once the money is stolen, unfortunately, the Department of Human Services is not able to replenish that
• I've had discussions with Lindsey Crimm, the Department of Human Services.
• I've had discussions with Lindsey Crimm, the Department of Human Services.

Bills: HB4422, HB4117, HB4300, HB4298, HB2984, HB3344

Keywords: immigration, public assistance, legal status, food assistance, state benefits, family resource center, community support, employment services, kinship families, social connections, child care, criminal history, background checks, child safety, licensing, Oklahoma laws, advisory committees, daycare, licensed child care facility, child care subsidy

Summary: The Children, Youth, and Family Committee met for its first meeting, with the chair emphasizing a shared goal of improving outcomes for children and families and describing the bills before the committee as work in progress. The committee first adopted a working draft and heard House Bill 4422, which would require applicants for welfare benefits to be checked through the SAVE system to verify American citizenship; the speaker said amendments removed earlier child-only and WIC changes. The bill was reported out 7-1. The committee then considered several DHS- and child welfare-related measures. House Bill 4117 would broaden the definition of family resource centers to better reflect Oklahoma organizations and support access to public and private grants, including faith-based and workforce-training efforts; it was reported due pass after discussion about the range of services such centers provide. House Bill 4298 would allow child care facilities to receive rule-change notices electronically instead of only by mail, while preserving mail delivery as an option, and House Bill 4300 would add a fingerprint requirement to child care background checks to align state law with federal Child Care Development Fund requirements; both were reported due pass. House Bill 2984 would direct DHS to seek a waiver limiting SNAP purchases to Oklahoma in order to reduce out-of-state card skimming and fraud; members discussed border-area concerns and possible radius exceptions, but the bill was reported out 6-0. The final major measure was House Bill 3344, a foster care bill intended to improve placement and support for foster children and families. The author said the bill was only a starting point and that he had been working with DHS, judges, and other stakeholders; members raised concerns about a felony penalty in the bill, and the author said that provision would be revised as the bill moved forward. The committee passed the bill 7-0. Several members also used the discussion to stress the need for stronger funding for vulnerable populations and state agencies, especially foster care and mental health services. The meeting ended with plans for further revisions and a follow-up meeting the next Wednesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• Services Committee.
• Services Committee.
• Services Committee.
• Services Committee.
• </c><01:37:15.360><c> We</c> and Human Services Committee. We and Human Services Committee.

Bills: HF2135, HF776, HF1581, HF1158, HF2226

Keywords: child welfare, fiscal analysis, third-party consultant, program evaluation, Minnesota, HF776, Minnesota Family Assets for Independence Initiative, family assets for independence, FAI, asset-building, matched savings, financial literacy, family savings, economic mobility, children youth and families, general fund appropriation, family support, low-income families, financial stability, budget bill

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, committee. Appreciate it. Okay, committee.
• Thank you, committee. Okay.
• provides for victim services.
• It expands state services and coordination for victims of human trafficking, including young adults.
• Thank you, Madam Vice Chair, Committee. Yes, sir. Chair, committee. Yes, sir.

Bills: HR249, HR251, HB395, HB902, SB83, SB132, SB157, SB338, SB450, SB484, SB501, SB507

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI, BESE, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, content standards, K-12 education, public schools, curriculum, digital literacy, computer science, STEM, technology education, student privacy, ethical AI, workforce development, future-ready workforce, instructional resources, education policy, school standards, Louisiana education

Transcript Highlights:

• We are gathered for the committee meeting on Human Services and Homelessness, as well as some measures
• Human Services to submit Department of Human Services to submit submit<01:33:39.600><c> a</c><01:33:39.640
• c> Services</c><01:34:20.120><c> stands</c> The Department of Human Services stands The Department of
• </c><01:39:13.080><c> Services</c> for uh Department of Human Services for uh Department of Human Services
• on Health and the Committee on Human Services and Military Affairs.

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

Keywords: mental health, crisis intervention, assisted community treatment, treatment orders, law enforcement training, public safety, court-ordered treatment, Medicaid, healthcare access, unlicensed professionals, supervised services, workforce development, mental health equity, child custody, evaluations, licensed counselors, family court, juvenile justice, waiver of jurisdiction, transfer to adult court

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

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:48.360><c> to</c> respectfully urge the committee to respectfully urge the committee to support
• . committee. committee.
• So let's say during conference committee your committee clerk gets injured carrying boxes or rounding
• So let's say during conference committee your committee clerk gets injured carrying boxes or rounding
• So, let's say during conference committee your committee clerk gets injured carrying boxes or rounding

Bills: HCR92, HCR46, HCR172, HCR147, HCR112, HCR100, HR84, HR42, HR139, HR104, HR92

Keywords: automated external defibrillator, AED, cardiac arrest, state buildings, health education, public health, lifeguards, first responders, public safety, ocean safety, emergency response, Hawaii, workers' compensation, auditor, procurement audit, compliance, Department of Human Resources Development, transparency, accountability, medical care

Transcript Highlights:

• as well as the Committee on Human Resources and Homelessness.
• So, on behalf of myself as chair of the Committee on Health and Chair Martin of the Committee on Human
• </c> Department of Human Services on Zoom. Department of Human Services on Zoom.
• We're not human services. &gt;&gt; Oh, wait. We're not human services.
• &gt;&gt; On behalf of the Committee on Human Services<01:49:44.880><c> and</c><01:49:45.119><c> Homelessness

Bills: HB1853, HB1591, HB1961, HB1854, HB1965, HB1962, HB1959, HB2505, HB2576, HB1801, HB1804, HB1864, HB2319, HB2314, HB2115

Keywords: HB1853, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, cognitive impairment, memory care, memory clinic, Hanai Memory Network, Executive Office on Aging, aging services, kupuna, caregiver support, long-term care, elder care, geriatrics, public health, dementia screening, care coordination, referral network, neighbor islands, rural health

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2047, relating to pharmacy benefit managers. The Insurance Division said the bill would require new enforcement resources and estimated an appropriation of about $1.5 million and five positions. Kaiser Permanente asked for an amendment to exclude HMOs from the definition of third-party PBMs, saying the bill should not interfere with integrated care models. PCMA and the Hawaii Pharmacist Association supported narrowing amendments, with pharmacists objecting to section 3 and warning the bill as amended could create major operational burdens and a significant general fund cost. No vote was taken in the portion provided, and the chair moved on to the next measure after questions. The committee then took up SB 2080, which would allow Hawaii to join the psychology interjurisdictional compact. Supporters, including DCR, the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, the Grassroot Institute, and others, said the compact would expand access to psychology services, especially for people in rural areas or those needing continuity of care while traveling. Opponents, including the Board of Psychology and a Shamanad University psychology professor, raised concerns about client safety, crisis-response procedures, enforcement costs, FBI background checks, and possible loss of state control over training and specialization standards. The board said Hawaii’s current 1,900-hour internship/postdoc requirement is higher than the compact’s standard and that the state is still implementing a separate provisional licensing law that may address some access issues. The discussion focused on whether the compact would meaningfully reduce shortages and whether Hawaii should instead pursue changes within its existing licensing system. Finally, the committee heard SB 2277 on hospital price transparency. The Office of Consumer Protection initially noted the bill could require significant staffing, but later testimony from SHIP suggested the measure could be handled more simply by working with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii and publicly posting violations. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, arguing hospitals already must comply with federal CMS transparency rules and that adding state requirements would increase costs and legal exposure, especially if violations were treated as unfair or deceptive trade practices. Steve Fenberg testified in support, saying the bill would simply codify existing federal requirements in state law and that he was open to amendments removing state enforcement and the unfair trade practice language. No final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Special Committee on Health and Human Services is called to order.
• P&T committee, right?
• So, having no further business before us, and without objection, the House Committee on Health and Human
• And without objection, the House Committee on Health and Human Services is adjourned.
• And without objection, the House Committee on Health and Human Services is adjourned.

Bills: HB2408, HB2434, HB2725, HB2728, HB2729, HB2730, HB2731, HB2732, HB2733

Keywords: nursing board, regulatory actions, disciplinary actions, expungement, healthcare professionalism, controlled substances, prescription monitoring, opioid crisis, healthcare regulations, patient safety, prescription drugs, opioids, healthcare, pain management, utilization controls, AHCCCS, Department of Economic Security, social services, welfare programs, vocational rehabilitation

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Madam Chair, members of the committee.
• Thank you, Madam Chair, and members of the committee.
• Thank you, committee. So, Representative Newton, we will go to you to present Senate Bill 206.
• public entities, such as municipal, county, tribal, or other public entities, consider essential services

Bills: SB206, SB904, SB933, SB1436, SB1500, SB1553, SB1557, SB1567, SB1644, SB1645, SB1651, SB1794, SB1833, SB1849, SB1984

Keywords: SB206, emergency medical services, EMS, ambulance, 911 response, emergency response, essential services, federal funding, grant funding, public health, health care facility, municipality, county, ambulance service district, tribal entity, public entity, contract ambulance service, Oklahoma, 63 O.S. 2021 Section 1-2502, emergency clause

Transcript Highlights:

• The Emergency Response Service Committee, which is an interim committee, is tasked with finding ways
• The Emergency Response Service Committee, which is an interim committee, is tasked to finding ways for
• So if you look, Pat Traynor with Health and Human Services, Mr.
• We visited with Health and Human Services about it.
• To make is I've been involved in human services now for a long time.

Bills: HB1623

Keywords: HB 1623, North Dakota, rural health, rural health transformation program, medical facility infrastructure loan fund, medical facility infrastructure loan program, rural health loan program, Bank of North Dakota, Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, federal grant, health care infrastructure, rural hospitals, critical access hospitals, nonprofit health care providers, gap financing, loan fund, public health funding, healthcare financing, Medicaid

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 1624, the “Universal Lunch Bill,” from Rep. Mike Nathie. He argued the proposal should be placed in Century Code rather than the Constitution so future legislatures can adjust it if state finances tighten, and said the bill would start the program a year earlier with a $65 million appropriation for one school year. DPI testified that the estimate did not include nonpublic schools that do not participate, and members questioned the impact on Title I, free-and-reduced applications, private-school accountability, breakfast mandates for schools that do not currently serve breakfast, and whether the funding could come from the DPI budget or other sources. Supporters, including North Dakota United, the North Dakota Catholic Conference, a pediatrician, and the American Heart Association, said universal meals improve student health and learning, reduce family costs, and are better handled in statute than by constitutional amendment. No opposition testimony was offered, and the chair closed the hearing for later work-session action. The committee then took up House Bill 1627, introduced by Rep. Tye Dressler, which would raise the income threshold for the state-funded school lunch program from 225% to 300% of poverty, with an estimated cost of about $7 million for 2026-27. Dressler said the bill is intended as a targeted, budget-friendly alternative to the ballot measure and emphasized that the state should maximize federal meal dollars while improving participation in the current program. Members questioned whether raising the threshold would actually increase utilization, whether a dollar amount would be clearer than a percentage, and how the change would affect federal reimbursements and application rates. DPI said it could quickly calculate additional percentage levels, and the chair closed the hearing, directing DPI to prepare more numbers for the work session. Finally, the committee opened Senate Bill 2403, presented by Sen. Schiable, to create a short-term bridge-loan program for financially distressed hospitals, centered on Jacobson Memorial Hospital in Elgin. The bill would authorize up to $5 million per loan, with a $10 million appropriation available on a first-come, first-served basis, and would run only through June 30, 2027. Schiable said the hospital’s debt and operating problems threaten local health care, ambulance service, and the community’s economy, and that the proposal was designed narrowly with Bank of North Dakota review to avoid creating a broad precedent. Committee members asked whether the appropriation could be reduced and whether the bank would still apply commercial feasibility and repayment standards; Schiable said yes, the bank would still evaluate the loan and could reject it if it was not sound.

Transcript Highlights:

• to be made up of each chamber's human services committee members and the members of each chamber's appropriations
• human service divisions.
• Or is there going to be a separate team or right within human service?
• The Department of Health and Human Services is continuing to make strides in expanding crisis services
• So thank you, North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, ahead of the game.

Bills: HB1623

Keywords: HB 1623, North Dakota, rural health, rural health transformation program, medical facility infrastructure loan fund, medical facility infrastructure loan program, rural health loan program, Bank of North Dakota, Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, federal grant, health care infrastructure, rural hospitals, critical access hospitals, nonprofit health care providers, gap financing, loan fund, public health funding, healthcare financing, Medicaid

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1623, the appropriations bill tied to North Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program, which is funded through a new federal rural health care grant. Senator Bekkedahl explained the bill’s background, the interim committee process that developed it, and the federal conditions attached to the award, including spending deadlines, administrative cost limits, and restrictions on uses such as new construction, supplanting existing funding, and certain other costs. Legislative staff then walked through the seven sections of the bill, including appropriation authority, transfer authority, contingent appropriations for pass-through grants, procurement and public improvement exemptions, recipient reporting, legislative reporting, and immediate effective date. Commissioner Traynor and HHS staff described how the department plans to implement the program, emphasizing that the funding is intended to improve rural access, workforce recruitment and retention, technology and data connectivity, and community health initiatives. They said the department will rely on local applications, technical assistance, templates, listening sessions, and partnerships with providers, schools, public health units, tribal entities, and other community groups. Members asked about reimbursement timing, upfront costs, administrative expenses, sustainability after the five-year grant period, and whether CTE centers, public health units, gyms, grocery stores, and other community partners could participate; the department said yes, within program rules and with a focus on measurable outcomes and sustainability. Several supporters testified in favor. Mental Health America of North Dakota and the Mental Health Advocacy Network supported the bill and urged investment in community-based mental health, crisis response, children’s services, peer support, and mobile crisis teams. HIA Health described the grant as a chance to expand home-based and hospice care, noting that rural providers already have workable models but need funding to scale them. A cybersecurity representative also supported the bill, warning that the large amount of health data and AI-related tools will require strong data protection and professional support. The hearing was closed with no opposition testimony, and the committee announced it would return later in the day for further work on the bill and other measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, Madam Chair, members of the committee.
• Good morning, Chair, members of the committee. Tim Ford with staff for the committee.
• All the members of the committee. Hello, Madam Chair. Thank you. All the members of the committee.
• Chair, members of the committee.
• Chair, members of the committee.

Bills: SB5720, SB5833, SB5936, SB5993, SB5735

Keywords: consumer debt, judgment, uniformity, legal standards, debt collection, pets, motor vehicles, animal welfare, public safety, legislation, human trafficking, prevention, remedies, victims, law enforcement, support services, medical debt, interest charges, consumer protection, healthcare

Summary: The committee heard public hearings on several bills. SB 5720, the Uniform Consumer Debt Default Judgments Act, was described by staff as adding complaint, notice, and default-judgment requirements for consumer debt cases and preserving existing debt-buyer protections. Senator Peterson said the bill had been revised through stakeholder compromise, and testimony from consumer advocates and collectors was broadly supportive, with no opposition noted. The hearing was closed without a vote. SB 5833, allowing a vehicle to remain running for up to 30 minutes to protect a pet, drew support from the sponsor and some animal welfare and law enforcement stakeholders, but animal control and police representatives raised concerns about the liability presumption and said current law already allows fact-specific intervention. The sponsor said he would bring an amendment to address the liability language; the hearing closed with many pro sign-ins and a few con sign-ins. The committee also heard SB 5936 on human trafficking remedies and prevention. Staff explained that the bill would allow prosecution of business entities that knowingly engage in or benefit from trafficking or involuntary servitude, impose possible fines and disgorgement, require confidentiality for victims and families, and create a process for T and U visa certification and continued-presence requests. Senator Orwall said the bill was intended to strengthen survivor protections and accountability, while several survivors and child-advocacy witnesses strongly supported it. Hospitality and law enforcement groups supported the bill in concept but asked for amendments to clarify liability and to align the visa-certification provisions with existing law; law enforcement said some section 4 language was duplicative and likely to be amended. The hearing closed after those comments. SB 5993 would prohibit interest on new and unpaid medical debt and shorten the enforceability period for judgments involving medical debt to six years without renewal. Supporters, including consumer advocates, AARP, patient groups, and individuals with serious medical debt, said the bill would reduce financial ruin, improve affordability, and reflect the fact that people do not choose medical emergencies. Opponents from hospitals, physician groups, collectors, and business organizations argued that eliminating interest and judgment renewal would reduce repayment incentives, shift costs to providers and other patients, and hit small rural hospitals hardest; they also asked for more stakeholder work and warned about effects on mixed judgments. The committee then began SB 5375 on labeling imitation firearms, with staff explaining that it would create state standards for BB devices, toy guns, replicas, and similar items, prohibit altering markings, require advisories, and impose civil and misdemeanor penalties. The sponsor said it was intended to reduce mistaken shootings and cited a fatal incident involving an airsoft gun, while opponents from the NRA and firearms-training users argued the bill was overbroad, duplicated federal law, and could harm training, competition, and lawful firearm customization.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence will come to order.
• The Department of Health and Human Services reports that one of the largest challenges in combating elder
• Representative Leach offers up that committee substitute.
• Representative Leach offers up the committee substitute.
• Representative Leach offers up the committee substitute.

Bills: SB1015, SB2933

Keywords: statutory probate courts, probate court fees, judicial fund, county reimbursement, comptroller, Texas Government Code, Local Government Code, court fees, fee allocation, excess contributions, judicial education and support fund, presiding judge salary, county finance, court administration, Texas judiciary, revenue distribution, SB 2933, elder abuse, neglect, judicial training

Summary: The Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence heard testimony on Senate Bill 1015, which would clarify that the comptroller is responsible for distributing excess judicial fund payments back to statutory probate courts. Judge Guy Herman testified in support, saying the bill would help ensure probate courts receive funding they are entitled to, while Ed Heimlich testified against the bill with broad criticism of probate courts and judicial practices. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2933, which would add elder abuse training to required judicial education for several categories of judges and judicial officers; Dr. Bruce Hargrave supported the bill, citing the prevalence and underreporting of elder abuse and the need for judges to recognize warning signs. No votes were taken on either of those bills, and SB 2933 was left pending. The committee then reconsidered Senate Bill 38, an eviction-related bill, and Vice Chair Hayes described two agreed floor amendments: one limiting the summary disposition procedure to forcible entry and detainer cases involving squatters, and another requiring a notice to pay rent or vacate for tenants who had been timely payers but missed a payment. After discussion, the committee voted 6-4 to report SB 38 without amendments. The committee also adopted or advanced a series of other bills and resolutions, including SB 293, SB 1141, SB 1448, SB 1536, SB 1558, SB 1838, SB 1940, SB 2127, SB 53, SB 251, SB 311, SB 387, SB 441 (with a substitute), SB 1164, SB 1335, SB 1574 (with a substitute), SB 1719, SB 1760, SB 1839, SB 1923 (with a substitute), SB 2807, and SJR 27 (with a substitute). Most measures were reported favorably on largely party-line or near-unanimous votes, with a few close votes on SB 942, SB 311, SB 2807, and SJR 27. SB 942, relating to retroactive child support beginning at conception, initially failed 5-5 but was reconsidered and then passed 6-5. The committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Department of Health and Human Services reports that one of the largest challenges in combating elder
• Representative Leach offers up that committee substitute.
• Representative Leach offers up the committee substitute.
• Representative Leach offers up the committee substitute.
• Representative Leach offers up the committee substitute.

Bills: SB1015, SB2933

Keywords: statutory probate courts, probate court fees, judicial fund, county reimbursement, comptroller, Texas Government Code, Local Government Code, court fees, fee allocation, excess contributions, judicial education and support fund, presiding judge salary, county finance, court administration, Texas judiciary, revenue distribution, SB 2933, elder abuse, neglect, judicial training

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Federalism, Military Affairs, and Elections is called to order.
• Chairman and members of the committee.
• committee to review this process.
• government and make a committee for them?
• Business before us... uh, committee adjourned.

Bills: HB2424, HB2608, HB2775, HB2805, HB2908

Keywords: Arizona political parties, precinct committeeman, precinct committeemen, proxy voting, party bylaws, county committee, state committee, qualified elector, election administration, political party rules, precinct representation, adjoining precinct, county party meeting, proxy attestation, notary public, witnesses, transitional housing, military veterans, grant program, housing services

Transcript Highlights:

• Order today, Senate Human Services on this Tuesday, January 20th.
• Today, the focus of our committee will be an executive session.
• Madam Chair, members of the committee, Allison Mendiola, committee staff.
• , and it adds four positions to the committee.
• And committee members, thanks for living through this committee hearing with us. Thank you so much.

Bills: SB5873, SB5895, SB5911, SB5940, SB5942, SB5945, SB5957, SB5966

Keywords: incarcerated individuals, escorted leaves, criminal justice, rehabilitation, state law, healthcare, incarcerated, extraordinary medical placement, criminal justice reform, medical care, children, youth, financial stability, care services, department of children and families, housing assistance, foster care, pilot program, social services, accountability

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee met in executive session to review several bills, with staff briefing members on measures related to incarcerated individuals, DCYF foster youth programs, extraordinary medical placements, persistent offender resentencing, the Office of Homeless Youth Advisory Committee, and medically tailored meals. Chair Wilson announced that Senate Bill 5942 on the DCYF Oversight Board would be held until the following week for additional stakeholder input. The committee also noted fiscal impacts on several bills, including costs for foster youth housing, Social Security benefit protections, and resentencing-related local government expenses. The committee took up Senate Bill 5873 on escorted leaves of absence for incarcerated individuals and adopted only Amendment A1, a technical fix to the definition of immediate family. A series of Christian amendments to restrict eligibility, require electronic monitoring, limit duration and location, impose liability, require more staffing, add funding contingencies, narrow family definitions, and mandate restraints were all rejected. The committee then adopted the proposed substitute and advanced the bill to Rules. For Senate Bill 5895 on extraordinary medical placements, the committee rejected amendments that would have barred placements after recent serious infractions, required physician specialty qualifications, limited eligibility for those not in rehabilitative programming, added reporting and Washington-only placement requirements, and required sentencing court review. The proposed substitute was adopted and the bill was referred to Ways and Means. On Senate Bill 5911, the committee adopted Amendment C1 to place youth Social Security funds into protected accounts such as ABLE accounts, then advanced the bill as amended to Ways and Means. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 5940 on an extended foster care housing pilot after discussion of eligibility and program limits, and Senate Bill 5945 on persistent offender resentencing after rejecting amendments related to retroactivity, victim notice, ISRB review, programming participation, and exclusions for serious offenses; the bill was sent onward subject to signatures. Senate Bill 5957 on adding positions to the Office of Homeless Youth Advisory Committee and Senate Bill 5966 on medically tailored meals were also discussed, with the latter receiving proposed amendments on provider type, administrative limits, and a funding contingency, though the transcript ends before final action on those measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• I emailed the committee this morning with details about foundational public health services, or FPHS.
• I emailed the committee this morning with details about foundational public health services or FPS.
• The committee, Luke Wickham, counsel to the Early Learning and Human Services Committee.
• The committee, Luke Wickham, counsel to the Early Learning and Human Services Committee.
• Services Committee.

Bills: HB2675, HB2681, HB2714, HB2688, HB2481, HB2116, HB1408

Keywords: accounts, finance, business regulation, transparency, audits, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, HB 2714, caseload forecasting, food assistance, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, state food assistance, budget forecasting, caseload forecast council, caseload forecast supervisor, Washington State

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills. HB 2675 would eliminate a number of dedicated state accounts, transfer the remaining balances from two accounts to the general fund, and redirect future revenues from the salary insurance contribution increase revolving account to the general fund; OFM testified in support and there was no public opposition. Substitute HB 1903 would create a statewide Department of Commerce energy assistance program for low-income households, funded by the general fund and Climate Commitment Act revenues, phased in by utility and fuel type with reporting and an advisory group; supporters said it would provide more reliable monthly bill help, while utilities and rural co-ops raised concerns about cost, utility burden, reporting requirements, and conflicts with existing utility regulation. Fiscal staff estimated significant startup costs for Commerce if funded at the illustrative level discussed. Substitute HB 2384 would require actuarial reviews for certain continuing care retirement communities offering life care contracts, with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner reviewing the analyses and DSHS posting results; residents and transparency advocates supported the measure, while providers opposed it mainly over cost and the likelihood that fees would be passed on to residents. Substitute HB 1982 would expand the ability to vacate convictions tied to treaty Indian rights from fishing-only cases to fishing, hunting, gathering, and pasturing, remove the pre-1975 limitation, add local ordinances, and authorize OPD representation; after an amendment removed a proposed tribal liaison position, OPD said the fiscal impact would be zero and tribal and public defense witnesses supported the bill. Substitute HB 2389 would change juvenile sentencing and review procedures by expanding eligibility for suspended dispositions and behavioral health alternatives, adding midpoint review hearings, reducing some robbery ranges, and addressing juvenile rehabilitation capacity; supporters argued it would reduce disparities and favor community-based rehabilitation, while prosecutors, sheriffs, counties, judges, cities, victim advocates, and some law enforcement and tribal representatives warned it would weaken accountability, increase local costs, and create public safety risks. Substitute HB 2439 would overhaul tobacco and vapor product regulation by raising license fees and penalties, creating a responsible vendor program, adding manufacturer certification and testing requirements, restricting certain products and pricing practices, and redirecting tobacco tax revenue to public health and prevention accounts; public health groups supported the bill, while retailers and industry representatives opposed the fee increases and new mandates. The committee also heard HB 2681, which would sharply increase cannabis license fees and add CPI indexing; OFM supported it as a fee alignment measure, while cannabis businesses opposed the size of the increase and the inflation adjustment. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, members of the committee.
• House Bill 2984 directs the Department of Human Services to request a waiver to allow SNAP dollars to
• Once the money is stolen, unfortunately, the Department of Human Services is not able to replenish that
• I've spoken with the Department of Human Services on the feasibility of that, and we're certainly exploring
• I've had discussions with Lindsey from the Department of Human Services.

Bills: HB4422, HB4117, HB4300, HB4298, HB2984, HB3344

Keywords: immigration, public assistance, legal status, food assistance, state benefits, family resource center, community support, employment services, kinship families, social connections, child care, criminal history, background checks, child safety, licensing, Oklahoma laws, advisory committees, daycare, licensed child care facility, child care subsidy

Transcript Highlights:

• She said state employees want only the best, many are in Human Services areas, and they made a decision
• </c><00:14:18.959><c> Services</c> are frankly in in uh Human Services are frankly in in uh Human Services
• We had a five-year grant with the Department of Health and Human Services, and we had a wonderful rigorous
• Services.
• Minnesota Department of Human Services Minnesota Department of Human Services uh<01:22:19.760><c> in<

Bills: HF25, HF1, HF428

Keywords: pregnancy support, women's health, maternity homes, nonprofit organizations, grant funding, abortion, family services, Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices

Transcript Highlights:

• We are going to start our public hearings of the Early Learning and Human Services Committee today.
• Omera Harrington, Council of this committee.
• Representative Bergquist and committee, Representative Bergquist and committee, I'm happy to be here
• Earlier this, or I guess last year now, I had the opportunity to join this committee during committee
• Earlier this, or I guess last year now, I had the opportunity to join this committee during committee

Bills: HB2099, HB2317, HB2318, HB2350

Keywords: military families, early childhood education, access, assistance program, education equity, HB2317, early learning, child care licensing, day care, preschool, Head Start, DCYF, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, Washington State, RCW 43.216, child care center, family home provider, family child care, outdoor nature-based child care, school-age child care

Summary: The Early Learning and Human Services Committee held public hearings on several bills focused on early learning access and disability services. House Bill 2317 would exempt certain ECEAP and Head Start programs located in public school buildings or on public school property from DCYF child care licensing when they operate part-day or school-day. Staff explained the current licensing requirements, and the prime sponsor and testifiers from Head Start, ECEAP, and private school groups said the bill would reduce duplicative oversight, delays, and costs while helping expand preschool access. House Bill 2099 would expand ECEAP eligibility for military families and add prioritization factors for deployed and single custodial military parents; the sponsor and multiple advocates, including military and early learning organizations, said military families face unique child care, housing, and readiness challenges and need better access to preschool slots. House Bill 2350 would require DSHS to notify residents, guardians, and family members when a residential habilitation center is found out of compliance with federal CMS requirements; the sponsor and disability advocates said the bill would improve transparency and help families respond to safety and care concerns. The committee also heard House Bill 2318, which would allow ECEAP and Head Start children to count toward the 5% participation threshold needed for Early Achievers quality improvement awards. The sponsor said the change would provide modest additional funding to providers serving high-need children and help support child care programs with thin margins. Testifiers from a remote nonprofit child care center and the Head Start/ECEAP association said the current rule can discourage providers from enrolling ECEAP children because it can jeopardize award eligibility, and that the bill would remove an unintended barrier without changing the program’s purpose. No votes were taken; each bill was heard and then the committee moved on or closed the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Human Services will come to order. The clerk will call the roll.
• Thank you, Chair Hull and members of the committee.
• CCRCs are adding services like memory care, hospice, and home-based services, but many are reducing nursing
• home or skilled nursing services at each location.
• The committee will stand at ease. The committee will come to order.

Bills: SB500, SB1522, SB1137, SB1266

Keywords: SB 500, Texas adoption law, Family Code, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child-placing agency, prospective adoptive parents, adoption records, confidential information, nondisclosure agreement, child history report, health history, social history, educational history, genetic history, termination of parental rights, permanency plan, single source continuum contractor, privacy, redaction

Summary: The Committee on Human Services met with a quorum and first voted out Senate Bill 1589, relating to contract requirements between a single-source continuum contractor and DFPS. The motion to report the bill favorably to the full House with a recommendation that it do pass and be printed prevailed on a 7-0 vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 500, which would set deadlines for providing foster care adoption records, including health, social, educational, and genetic history reports, to speed adoptions. The bill’s author and witnesses from Addie’s Hope Social Services supported it, saying delays in redacted files can take months, slow permanency for children, and increase costs to the state. Members asked about redactions and sibling/family information, and witnesses explained the bill would mainly speed the preliminary file used to decide whether to proceed with placement. SB 500 was left pending. Members also heard Senate Bill 1266, which would require regular reevaluation of the Medicaid provider support team and add written notice of provider disenrollment at least 30 days in advance. There were no witnesses, no questions, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 1522, concerning continuing care retirement communities, was then laid out and supported by LeadingAge Texas and counsel, who said it updates outdated definitions, clarifies licensing and disclosure rules, and strengthens consumer protections for seniors. It was also left pending. After a brief recess, the committee heard Senate Bill 1137, which would prohibit group home consultants from referring people to unlicensed or unpermitted group homes except in limited circumstances, require disclosure of complaints, and create a Class B misdemeanor for violations. Members discussed whether consultants are regulated and noted concerns about unlicensed referral practices. The bill was left pending, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.