Transcript Highlights:

• Cold War 2.0 is what I'm calling it. And like it or not, we are in a new space race with the CCP.
• Cold War 2.0 is what I'm calling it. And like it or not, we are in a new space race with the CCP.
• post-quantum encryption that meets or surpasses initial Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0

Bills: HB2809

Keywords: cybersecurity, post-quantum encryption, CMMC 2.0, state agencies, data protection, US-based vendors, 1182, all

Summary: The Committee on Science and Technology heard two informational presentations before taking up its only bill, HB 2809. The first presentation, from the University of Arizona, focused on fusion energy research and commercialization. The presenter described fusion as a clean, safe, long-term energy source with major potential for Arizona, emphasized growing U.S. and Chinese investment in the field, and argued that Arizona could become a hub for fusion supply chains, talent, and deployment. Members asked about timelines, regulation, and how fusion might compare with small modular reactors and other energy sources; the presenter said fusion could be commercially deployable in roughly 12 to 15 years if public-private investment continues. The second presentation, from XRDNA, described a spatial-temporal addressing system for physical objects and events, aimed at improving coordination across space, infrastructure, logistics, and defense. The company said it is testing with Space Force and launch providers, uses AI provenance tools, and sees its main near-term use case in logistics and space operations. HB 2809 would require state agencies handling sensitive data, including elections, public safety, benefits, finance, and infrastructure information, to implement post-quantum encryption meeting or exceeding CMMC 2.0 validation, using a U.S.-based vendor and U.S.-developed, manufactured, or maintained components. An amendment clarified that agencies would not be required to connect offline systems to the internet to install encryption, and that agencies could use offline methods such as removable media. The sponsor argued the bill is needed because Arizona’s legacy systems are vulnerable, cited prior cyber incidents and audit findings, and said the bill would secure data even on older systems while keeping the encryption key with the Auditor General. Members generally supported the concept but raised questions about implementation, costs, the Auditor General’s role, and the need for more stakeholder input. No one signed in opposition; the Secretary of State’s office was noted as neutral. The committee adopted the Pingarelli amendment and then passed HB 2809 as amended on a 9-0 vote, giving it a due pass recommendation. Several members explained their yes votes as support for the bill’s goal while emphasizing the need for careful implementation and broader discussion. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• 2.0.
• This one is simply migrating existing background studies from a legacy NETStudy system, which was what
• the department used to process background studies prior to implementing the NETStudy 2.0 system a bit
• <01:01:54.760> system, studies from a legacy NETStudy system, studies from a legacy NETStudy
• <01:02:02.600> 2.0<01:02:03.480> system<01:02:04.120> uh And then section 17

Bills: HF4525, HF3002, HF3665, HF4420

Keywords: human services, background studies, NETStudy 2.0, licensing, license suspension, license revocation, provider enrollment, program integrity, fraud, medical assistance fraud, Medicaid, payment withholding, credible allegation of fraud, background check, disqualification, variance, set-aside, foster care, family foster setting, adult foster care

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members, this is related to the background studies under NETStudy 2.0, which requires fingerprints
• Um, and NETStudy is a pretty robust background mining piece of software, um, and it's not very common
• <01:02:39.559> which studies under net study 2.0 which studies under net study 2.0 which requires
• Um, and NETStudy is a pretty robust background mining piece of software, um, and it's not very common
• Um, and NETStudy is a pretty robust background mining piece of software, um, and it's not very common

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met for an introductory overview of its jurisdiction and budget, with the chair emphasizing the committee’s role over a large portfolio of children, youth, and family programs and the new Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). House Research and House Fiscal staff explained their roles and described the 2023-24 reorganization that transferred many programs from DHS, DPS, MDH, and MDE to DCYF, along with a statute recodification and a crosswalk resource for members. Doug Berg then walked through the committee’s budget structure, explaining the difference between all-funds and general fund views, the major funding sources, and how forecasted programs and grant bases roll forward. He highlighted that the committee’s general fund base is a little over $2.1 billion for the biennium, with large federal components such as SNAP and TANF, and noted smaller accounts including child protection-related opioid funds and federal reimbursement offsets (FFP) for administrative costs. Members asked several questions about federal financial participation, TANF, and the effect of the repeal of the Diversionary Work Program (DWP). Staff explained that FFP generally applies to administrative costs for federally related programs and usually does not change much unless program activity changes, while TANF is a block grant that has been stable for years. On DWP, staff said the program was sunsetted effective March 1, 2026, and that the associated funding and administrative costs were being reworked rather than simply removed. A member also asked about federal funding fluctuations; staff said no changes were currently factored in, though SNAP or other federal policy changes could alter future numbers. Danielle Penelli then presented on economic assistance and employment supports transferred to DCYF, focusing first on MFIP, Minnesota’s state-supervised, county-administered welfare program jointly funded by state and federal dollars. She explained that MFIP provides cash and food assistance, employment and training services, and related supports, with a 60-month time limit and certain exemptions for illness, incapacity, or other barriers to employment. She also described the program’s income and asset standards, including a $10,000 asset limit with exclusions for homesteads and one vehicle per assistance unit member age 16 or older. Members asked clarifying questions about how the time limit applies and what assets count, and staff responded that the limit applies to the caregiver and does not restart with additional children. Penelli also introduced support services grants, which fund employment services for MFIP, DWP, and SNAP participants through workforce centers, counties, tribes, and community agencies, and help cover some county and tribal administrative costs. She began outlining nutrition programs under DCYF, including SNAP, the Minnesota Food Assistance Program, the Minnesota Food Shelf Program, the Emergency Food Assistance Program, and the American Indian Food Sovereignty Program. No formal votes or bill actions were taken during this meeting; it was primarily an informational staff briefing and question-and-answer session.

Transcript Highlights:

• 2.0 background studies system.
• 2.0.
• So this language just effectuates transferring those studies into the NetStudy 2.0 system.
• This is already how these studies are set up in NetStudy 2.0, so this just conforms statute with that
• Uh and so this net study not 2.0.

Bills: HF3935, HF2216, HF4354, HF4210, HF4212

Keywords: assisted living, healthcare, training, unlicensed personnel, resident rights, safety regulations, nursing home, long-term care, guardian, conservator, arbitration, mandatory arbitration, consumer protection, fee increase, rate increase, price hike, private pay, public funds, Medicaid, waiver services

Transcript Highlights:

• It codifies that we can use electronic signatures in NetStudy 2.0.
• It codifies that we can use electronic signatures in NetStudy 2.0.
• It codifies that we can use electronic signatures in NetStudy 2.0.
• It codifies that we can use electronic signatures in NetStudy 2.0.
• It codifies that we can use electronic signatures in NetStudy 2.0.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this language just effectuates getting those last few study types into NETStudy 2.
• <01:11:58.840> That<01:11:59.040> is types into uh NETStudy 2.
• That is types into uh NETStudy 2.
• So this is just conforming NETStudy 2.
• Um, so they wouldn't be in our current system, NET study 2.0.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the new CMMD 2.0 requirements and the NIST requirement are all met with this type of encryption.

Bills: HB2056, HB2057, HB2224, HB2257, HB2265, HB2311, HB2352, HB2367, HB2369, HB2446, HB2532, HB2592, HB2752, HB2809, HB2957

Keywords: brackish water, groundwater, desalination, water resources, feasibility study, environmental impact, special plates, centennial, Arizona Department of Transportation, vehicle registration, commercial discounts, Arizona Centennial, produce incentive, agriculture, economic support, funding, Arizona, boating, watercraft licensing, law enforcement

Summary: The committee approved the March 10, 2026 minutes and then considered several bills. HB 2056, appropriating $100,000 for an Arizona Department of Water Resources feasibility study on brackish groundwater desalination, passed 6-3 despite concerns that it could encourage more groundwater pumping and worsen subsidence or impacts to tribal lands. HB 2057, which lowers the Arizona Centennial Special Plate renewal fee from $25 to $20, also received a do-pass recommendation, 7-2, with some members objecting to the special plate’s focus and the reduced fee. HB 2224, appropriating $1 million annually to DES for the produce incentive program, drew strong support from nonprofit and food-access advocates who said the Double Up Food Bucks program helps families, farmers, and local markets; it passed 9-0. HB 2257, changing the allocation of watercraft registration revenues among the Watercraft Licensing Fund, Lake Improvement Fund, and boating safety/law enforcement funds, passed 6-3 after criticism that the bill was heard without a sponsor present and concern about shifting money away from Game and Fish. HB 2265, barring courts from charging defendants for public defender or court-appointed counsel costs and related criminal-case fees, passed 7-1 amid debate over constitutionality, cost shifting to counties, and whether the bill should be amended to offset lost revenue. The committee then took up HB 2311, which imposes disclosure, content, parental-control, and self-harm response requirements on publicly available conversational AI services for minors. The sponsor and supporters framed it as child protection, while opponents warned about privacy, surveillance, and overbroad definitions; an Epstein amendment expanding the bill to broader conversational technology was rejected, and the bill passed 7-2. HB 2752, moving authority over international trade offices from the Arizona Commerce Authority to legislative appropriations and reporting, passed 6-3 after a proposed data-and-research amendment was also rejected. Finally, HB 2957, requiring ADOT to continue offering non-REAL ID licenses and limiting biometric collection and data sharing, prompted extensive testimony for and against; supporters emphasized privacy and choice, while opponents warned it could conflict with federal CDL and REAL ID requirements. The transcript cuts off during the discussion of HB 2957, before a final vote is shown.

Bills: HF2136, HF4195, HF4548, HF4432, HF4174, HF3024, HF4389, HF3773

Keywords: youth intervention, grants, community support, early intervention services, nonprofit, Minnesota human services, forecast adjustment, budget forecast, appropriations, Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, Health Care Access Fund, general fund, behavioral health, housing support, General Assistance, Minnesota Supplemental Aid, MFIP, DWP, child care assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• The DHS background study system is called NetStudy 2.0.
• called<01:14:14.440> net<01:14:14.719> study is called net study is called net study 2.0
• it<01:14:16.719> requires<01:14:17.400> fingerprints<01:14:17.960> and 2.0
• it requires fingerprints and 2.0 it requires fingerprints and photographs<01:14:19.320> for<01

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met for an introductory overview of its jurisdiction and staff roles. Nonpartisan House Research and House Fiscal staff explained that they draft bills and amendments, prepare bill summaries and background research, answer legal and fiscal questions, and help track revenue and budget effects. They also distributed a Budget Overview Brief intended to condense the larger budget materials into a more usable format for members. Staff then walked through the Human Services budget and the committee’s areas of responsibility. They described the department structure, noting that DHS oversees administration, compliance, rulemaking, and county support, and that the overall Human Services budget is large, with medical assistance as the dominant program. They also explained recent and upcoming reorganizations: many children and family-related functions are moving to the new Department of Children, Youth, and Families, Direct Care and Treatment is becoming its own agency, and some homelessness-related functions remain at DHS. Staff reviewed how the budget is organized by program and budget activity, the difference between direct appropriations and standing appropriations, and how forecasted programs and “tails” work in the budget process. The presentation also covered Medicaid financing and long-term care. Staff explained the federal-state FMAP match, including Minnesota’s current 51.16% federal match for most Medicaid spending, the CHIP match, and the 90% federal share for the expansion population. For long-term care, they outlined Medical Assistance services for elderly and disabled people, state-funded long-term care supports, and Board on Aging programs. They highlighted the personal care assistance program’s phaseout and replacement by Community First Services and Supports, and reviewed the five home- and community-based waivers. Members asked one question about refugee resettlement funding, specifically whether it covers flights; staff said they would need to follow up on the exact use of the federal funds. No bills were heard, and no formal votes or other committee actions were taken during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's called NetStudy 2.0.
• c><00:07:56.800> called<00:07:57.039> net<00:07:57.360> study<00:07:57.680> 2.0
• It's called net study 2.0. This system. It's called net study 2.0.
• >> or you're migrating it to net study 2.0.
• >> or you're migrating it to net study 2.0.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you repeat what you just said about TIP 2.0? Can you repeat what you just said about TIP 2.0?
• Madam Chair, members, the first year of TIP 2.0 was paid to the MCOs in July, I believe.
• What did the CMS proposal read when it came to TIP 2.0?
• What did the CMS proposal read when it came to TIP 2.0?
• And I understand you have some... ...submitted to CMS related to TIP 2.0.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services held another oversight hearing on Access, focusing on fee-for-service behavioral health management, prior authorization and claims processing, the Targeted Investment Program (TIP), and network adequacy. The chair and other members criticized Access for repeated transparency failures, including missing records related to the Covered Behavioral Health Services Guide, lack of public comment, unanswered questions about ARPA compliance, and concerns about ghost networks and delayed payments to providers, especially in Native communities and rural areas. Interim Director Roberta Harrison said Access had improved fraud controls after the sober living scheme crisis and acknowledged the need for modernization. She reported faster prior authorization processing, fewer denial codes, real-time dashboards, additional staffing, and claims processing under 30 days. She also said the agency wants more fraud referrals and is working to strengthen internal systems and communication. On the TIP program, Access officials explained that payments are delayed because of complex data validation and allocation across many provider sites; they said year one of TIP 2.0 was paid, but years two and three had not yet been distributed. The committee requested a formal plan within 30 days for paying the estimated $122 million in delayed TIP funds and asked for CMS-related documentation. Committee members also questioned Access about a direct contract with Constellation for claims processing, noting language in the proposal suggesting higher ROI from denying more claims; Access said that language was not part of the contract scope and was verbally rejected. On network adequacy, officials described time-and-distance standards, annual MCO reports, and internal review processes, but could not immediately confirm whether a fiscal year 2025 report had been submitted to CMS or whether any corrective action plans had been imposed. The chair concluded that Access’s improvements appeared to be driven by legislative pressure, said the committee would review the information received, and announced that Access would be sent detailed monthly reporting directions before the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• There were years of Safe 2.1, 1.0, 2.0.
• Let's be clear about what's happening under the current SAFE 2.0 law.
• SAFE 2.0 is none of those things.
• However, Governor Healey signed SAFE 2.0 on November 14 of last year.
• And now, under SAFE 2.0, we are doubling down on the same approach.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of public health and emergency services bills, with many speakers focusing on EMS system failures, hospital service closures, trauma preparedness, epilepsy awareness, drink-spiking response, sudden cardiac arrest, and survivor financial assistance. Several legislators and advocates described the EMS system as underfunded and overstretched, citing long ambulance waits, staffing shortages, and the need for statewide oversight, a special commission, and clearer recognition of EMS as an essential service. A number of speakers also supported bills to preserve essential hospital services after closures such as Nashoba Valley Medical Center and birthing services in Leominster, arguing that current closure rules lack enforcement and leave communities without critical care. Multiple panels testified in support of bills requiring trauma kits in public buildings, public education on SUDEP and epilepsy mortality, and improved cardiac arrest response. Supporters of the trauma-kit bill said public buildings should have bleeding-control kits and trained staff, comparing them to AEDs and first aid supplies. Epilepsy advocates, clinicians, and grieving parents urged a public health campaign on SUDEP, saying families are often not warned about the risk and that awareness could improve medication adherence, reduce guilt, and save lives. On cardiac arrest, EMS professionals and the American Heart Association backed measures to improve telecommunicator CPR, create an AED registry, and strengthen dispatch and training standards. The committee also heard extensive testimony on a bill addressing illicit drink spiking. Senators, city officials, victims, physicians, and an international anti-spiking advocate described cases in which hospitals refused toxicology testing unless a sexual assault was reported, and argued for standardized testing protocols, better data collection, and coordination with law enforcement and licensed venues. Another bill drew a sharp exchange over local public health control and the SAFE 2.0 law, with one senator arguing for more local approval and voluntary participation, while committee members defended the earlier law as a response to inequities in local public health capacity. Finally, advocates from Jane Doe, Inc. supported legislation to provide flexible financial assistance to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, saying unrestricted cash helps survivors meet basic needs, escape abuse, and rebuild stability.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then we opened up the new Guardian 2.0 in beta format.
• The new Guardian 2.0 was launched in beta format, which was a significant risk.
• Can you tell me why we changed to 2.0 in the first place?
• We changed to Guardian 2.0 because everybody seemed to like the name Guardian.
• So, that's where the Guardian 2.0 came from.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With the 2.0, no interest accrued in the first year.
• As I said earlier, about half of them, a little over half, refinanced as part of the 2.0.
• loans in that 2.0.
• The next program is the State Small Business Credit Initiative 2.0.
• Right now, under the 2.0 Loan Participant Program, we have 14 loans that are in the works.

Transcript Highlights:

• And because we had that change between Guardian 2.0 and we terminated the contract, and we Moved back
• Most of that reflects the one-time money for the Guardian 2.0 replacement.
• Then, going to Guardian 2.0, we have expended funds for that.
• So we just called it 'Guardian 2.0'. That's where the name came from.
• So we made the decision to bring up 'Guardian 2.0' in a beta format.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They have to meet the minimum requirements of GPA of 2.0 and have a C in deportment.
• We've had, so if, so among students who are maintaining the 2.0 GPA we almost never have a family choose
• You indicated if they don't maintain a 2.0, are they coached out and head back to the traditional school
• So we have the same policy that NMMI has, which is that the 2.0 minimum has to be maintained.
• Typically when I have a student who's not hitting the 2.0, they are also all day disruptive because they

Transcript Highlights:

• THESE ARE THE ONES I MENTIONED BEFORE THAT WERE IN 2.0 BUT WE ONLY HAVE THEM ON A STATEWIDE BASIS AND
• YOU TALKED ABOUT 2.0, 3.0. WHEN WAS THAT WRITTEN? WHEN WAS THAT IMPLEMENTED?
• WE'VE BEEN LOOKING AT THE 2.0 AND THAT IS WHAT HELPS INFORM OUR 3.0 DATA OR CONTRACT THAT WE JUST STARTED
• CARE UNDER OUR PLANS. >> Chair Anderson: YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> THE MEASURES HAVE EXISTED IN 1.0 AND 2.0
• SO IN 2.0 THE LIQUIDATED DAMAGES I HIGHLIGHTED OUR A PORTION OF THE LIQUIDATED DAMAGES ASSESSED IN THE

Transcript Highlights:

• We are also asking to reduce the grant qualifications from 2.0 to 1.5 FTE.
• grant We are also asking to reduce the grant qualifications<00:02:31.880> from<00:02:32.080> 2.0
• <00:02:35.320> The qualifications from 2.0 to 1.5 FTE.
• The qualifications from 2.0 to 1.5 FTE.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <03:35:13.120> 0 administrative and IT support 13 2.0 0 administrative and IT support 13 2.0
• Public school transportation, $38,165, B7. 2.0 FTE.
• Public school transportation, $38,165, B7. 2.0 FTE.
• Public school transportation, $38,165, B7. 2.0 FTE.
• High school, 2.0 FTE. 1.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The committee and floor took up House Bill 1411, which concerned the Cover All Colorado program. Debate centered on whether removing the program’s cap would create an open-ended entitlement and add pressure to the state budget. Supporters and opponents argued over fiscal impacts, with several members saying the program had grown far beyond its original cost estimate and that the state needed to protect the budget and maintain a balanced plan. The bill was ultimately passed as amended. House Bill 1412 was then considered, authorizing the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to use statistical sampling and extrapolation to recover Medicaid overpayments in certain provider audits, including ABA therapy and non-emergency medical transportation. Sponsors said the measure would help recapture millions in overpayments tied to fraud, waste, and abuse, and noted safeguards such as strict benchmarks, internal audit review, and a third-party audit firm. An amendment striking the word “alleged” from the bill was adopted, and the bill passed as amended. House Bill 1413, which changes leave provisions for certain public servants, was also approved. The bill removes a statutory cap on how much sick leave state employees may earn, while leaving actual leave policies to departments and bargaining agreements, and increases annual military leave to align with federal law. Members described it as a modest employee-benefit measure in a year without across-the-board pay raises. The House also laid over House Bill 1410 until later in the day and received the committee of the whole report on a large slate of other bills. Later, Representative Richardson sought to reverse the committee’s action on an amendment to House Bill 1389, which involved the comprehensive human sexuality education grant fund, arguing the grant program should be repealed if it is no longer funded.

Transcript Highlights:

• It actually includes the same 2.0 GPA, but it is a more comprehensive framework, and it's aimed at ensuring
• So you strike that they have to maintain a 2.0, and I don't see any section then that you replace it
• That includes a 2.0 minimum GPA.
• It includes being on track to complete a program... 2.0 minimum GPA.
• So, for example, if the GPA falls below 2.0, then perhaps there's some other support that they need to

Bills: AB328, AB397

Keywords: Juneteenth, education, economic commission, cultural affairs, racial healing, policy recommendations, African-American studies, higher education, fee waivers, Native American students, unaccompanied youth, academic progress, Nevada System of Higher Education, 909, all