Transcript Highlights:

• before me, due to a direct care worker shortage crisis for many years.
• care workers family job Seekers direct care workers family members<00:36:32.040> of<00:36:32.240
• care workers.
• care workers.
• care workers we're support of direct care workers we're very<00:39:42.680> excited<00:39:43.079

Bills: HF2367, HF2319, HF2523, HF1742, HF671, HF2331, HF2722, HF2406, HF1674

Keywords: HF2367, Community First Services and Supports, CFSS, personal care assistance, PCA, consumer-directed community supports, CDCS, home and community-based services, HCBS, direct support professionals, direct care workers, caregivers, support workers, SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa, collective bargaining agreement, retention stipend, health care cost stipend, training stipend, orientation program, retirement trust

Transcript Highlights:

• grant that was uh dedicated for direct grant that was uh dedicated for direct care<01:13:40.080>
• <01:15:00.800> care college students to serve as direct care college students to serve as
• direct care uh<01:15:01.640> workers.
• > are the direct care workforce program are the direct care workforce program are providing<01
• <01:15:24.520> care more people into the direct care more people into the direct care workforce

Bills: HF1767, HF2068, HF4725, HF4637, HF4638

Keywords: human services, community support, integrated care, disability services, stakeholder consultation, homeless youth, grants, funding, Minnesota, mental health, substance use disorder, education, workforce development, licensure, direct care services, healthcare, long-term care, personal care assistants, employment support, medical assistance

Summary: The Human Services Finance and Policy Committee approved the April 8, 2026 minutes and then heard House File 1767, as amended by the DE4 amendment. Representative Garande explained that the bill, originally intended to codify Integrated Community Supports (ICS), was being redirected because of concerns about fraud vulnerability and program integrity. The DE4 would create a smaller legislative study group to redesign ICS, pause DHS changes for about six months while the group develops a transition plan, continue DHS fraud investigations and enforcement, and ultimately terminate ICS as currently structured. Testimony in support came from Mr. Buck and Zania Harut of the Residential Providers Association of Minnesota, both of whom argued that ICS is unstable, inconsistently implemented, and in need of a new statutory foundation. They said the current system mixes different service models under one rate framework, lacks clear codification, and has shifting policy guidance that creates compliance problems for providers and risks to people receiving services. They emphasized that the bill would preserve oversight and enforcement while allowing time to build a replacement service with clearer rules, documentation standards, and guardrails. Members asked about effects on counties, providers, data, audits, and fraud enforcement. Representative Curran and Mr. Berg said the bill would not change funding structures or DHS’s existing authority to audit, request documentation, investigate fraud, or sanction bad actors, and that the study group would use existing data to identify where problems are concentrated. Vice Chair Gillman supported the study-group approach as a bipartisan, public process and raised concerns about whether the bill would prevent DHS from acting on known fraud; Curran responded that the language was intended to preserve those enforcement actions. The discussion ended without a final vote on the bill in the portion provided, beyond adoption of the DE4 amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also extends direct care and treatment county correctional facility support pilot program appropriation
• In 2024, the legislature appropriated a little over $2 million to direct care and treatment to develop
• Importantly, resources can be directed toward proficient staff with expertise for instruction, care,
• Importantly, resources can be directed toward proficient staff with expertise for instruction, care,
• I don't care. care. care.

Bills: HF3526, HF3375, HF3469

Keywords: home care, licensing, fines, advisory council, grant program, client safety, healthcare regulation, HF3375, Minnesota disability waiver, waiver rate system, human services, individualized home supports, individualized home supports with training, individualized home supports with family training, positive support services, employment support services, employment development services, employment exploration services, billing limits, service authorization year

Transcript Highlights:

• Overall, Senate Bill 598, ...authorized person provides direction.
• Health Care Administration to seek federal approval and update managed care and fee-for-service contracts
• care and we care about the health of individuals, you know, this is an issue that directly...
• I just wanted to say that being in health care, you know, I see a lot. say that being in health care,
• care and we care about the health of individuals, you know, this is an issue that directly Imple. ..

Bills: S0326, S0598, S0632, S0786, S1110, S1256, S1380, S1588, S7042, S7044

Keywords: curators, estates, court appointment, fiduciary duty, bond requirements, removal, surrogate, funeral homes, cemetery law, cremation, embalmer, funeral director, preneed contract, preneed funeral, human remains, unclaimed cremated remains, disposition of remains, hospice, palliative care, end-of-life care

Summary: The Banking and Insurance Committee met with a quorum present and temporarily postponed SB 7042 on legal tender and SB 1380 before taking up the remaining agenda. The committee first reported favorably C.S. for SB 326, which modernizes Florida’s curator statute in probate law by clarifying when curators may be appointed, what they may do, and what oversight applies. It then reported favorably SB 1256, which standardizes PBM pharmacy audits by requiring uniform audit standards, scope, frequency, penalties, and due process protections for pharmacies; testimony from pharmacists emphasized concerns about conflicts of interest, excessive audits, and disproportionate penalties, while preserving fraud investigations. The committee also reported favorably C.S. for SB 598 on funeral and cemetery services after adopting an amendment that removed provisions on civil damages caps and phasing out direct disposers; the bill updates licensure and contract rules and addresses unclaimed remains. SB 632, which sets insurance requirements for transportation network companies during the period after a ride is accepted but before pickup, was reported favorably despite opposition from an attorney who argued the existing coverage framework should not be reduced. C.S. for SB 786, creating a nonjudicial process to close out undisputed trusts and discharge trustees, was also reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 1110, a major bill expanding Medicaid and private insurance coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics, including activity limbs, and requiring annual reporting. After adopting an amendment clarifying eligible recipients, the committee heard extensive emotional testimony from amputees, parents, and advocates describing the medical, developmental, and financial importance of prosthetic coverage, and members spoke in strong support before the bill was reported favorably. Later, the committee considered SB 1588, which implements last session’s legal tender law by refining definitions, narrowing custodian provisions, eliminating unnecessary examination requirements, and repealing the sunset clause; members raised questions about verification and anti-money-laundering concerns, but the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved SPB 7044 as a committee bill to expand public records exemptions to records relating to newly regulated custodians of gold and silver. The meeting concluded with senators recording additional affirmative votes on selected bills and adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:34:47.280> Um to direct self-directed home nursing.
• Um to direct self-directed home nursing.
• receiving care. receiving care.
• Metro Care is legit. But We are legit. Metro Care is legit.
• I was taking care I was taking care of I was taking care I was taking care of my<01:30:16.719>

Bills: HF3174, HF3800

Keywords: background study, disqualification, set-aside, permanent disqualification, Office of Administrative Hearings, chief judge, human services licensing, substance use disorder treatment, SUD treatment, chemical dependency, recovery, rehabilitation, abstinence, foster care, child foster care, vulnerable adults, caregiver background check, license holder, direct contact, risk of harm

Transcript Highlights:

• for direct care treatment um so speaking for direct care and<00:24:41.200> treatment<00:24:41.480
• direct care and treatment admissions to direct care and treatment mha<00:33:58.600> strongly<00
• c> we the rest of direct care and treatment we the rest of direct care and treatment we are<00:59
• > within<01:06:44.520> DHS uh Direct Care and treatment within DHS uh Direct Care and treatment
• Direct Care and treatment demand and uh Direct Care and treatment was<01:15:35.280> able<01:15

Bills: HF2196, HF2586, HF2187, HF2037

Keywords: mental health, emotional disturbance, terminology update, statutory cleanup, conforming amendments, children's mental health, serious mental illness, severe emotional disturbance, case management, residential treatment, outpatient services, crisis services, health plan coverage, antipsychotic drugs, medical assistance, Medicaid, foster care, juvenile court, school discipline, county board

Transcript Highlights:

• Direct primary care and direct primary care-like approaches have emerged in part to help address these
• spending with respect to direct primary care.
• direct primary care.
• direct primary care.
• > in largest direct primary care practice in largest direct primary care practice in the<00:27

Bills: HF2400, HF1724, HF3437, HF4333, HF2874, HF4052

Keywords: real estate, appraisers, disciplinary actions, sanction matrix, Minnesota Statutes, direct primary care, healthcare agreements, medical services, patient care, health insurance, mortgage fees, residential loans, commercial loans, finance regulations, investment properties, insurance, supplemental health insurance, short-term care, home health care, nursing care

Transcript Highlights:

• I direct the public policy program for the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care.
• These exorbitant capital costs draw money away from residents and workers and result in poor care.
• workers and result in poor care. workers and result in poor care.
• <01:18:59.920> resident<01:19:00.400> care,<01:19:01.120> an spent on direct
• resident care, an spent on direct resident care, an essential<01:19:02.000> guardrail<01:19:02.560

Bills: HF3668, HF2779, HF2771

Keywords: gun violence, public health, Department of Health, prevention, criminal justice, health care transparency, ownership disclosure, control reporting, health care consolidation, private equity, management services organization, MSO, provider organization, health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, hospital system, affiliate reporting, financial disclosure, public reporting, market concentration

Summary: The House Finance and Policy Committee met on March 2 with a quorum present and heard House File 3668, which would create a state Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The bill author argued the office would treat gun violence as a public health crisis, improve research and coordination, and help reduce deaths and trauma, especially among children. Several supporters testified, including representatives from the Minnesota Medical Association, Protect Minnesota, family medicine, public health, and obstetrics/gynecology, all emphasizing firearm injury and suicide as major public health problems and urging a coordinated, data-driven response. Multiple testifiers shared personal accounts of shootings and their effects on children and families, including the Annunciation shooting, and said the office could help align prevention efforts across health care, law enforcement, and community organizations. Opposition came from the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, which argued the bill would create a permanent taxpayer-funded bureaucracy that could be used to shape firearm policy and restrict a constitutional right. The group said Minnesota should focus instead on enforcing existing laws, prosecuting violent offenders, and providing direct victim services. During committee discussion, Vice Chair Nadeau offered an A2 amendment to move the proposed office from the Department of Health to the Department of Public Safety, citing data-sharing, accountability, and examples from other cities and states; after discussion with the bill author, he withdrew the amendment. Chair Becker then noted existing state and local spending on violence prevention and public safety programs and raised concerns about duplication of effort.

Transcript Highlights:

• Direct Primary Care, or DPC.
• This bill ensures that direct primary care payments apply toward the individual's deductible under their
• Members, amid the challenges in our healthcare industry, direct primary care has emerged through the
• It's similar to a husband and wife, and one of them is concierge, or rather direct primary care. and
• Direct medical care. This is an excellent bill.

Bills: HB3015, HB3521, HB5632, HJR182, SJR57

Keywords: healthcare, direct primary care, insurance deductibles, Texas Health Benefit Plans, telemedicine, police retirement, disability pension, municipalities, law enforcement, retirement benefits, retirement, beneficiary, Employees Retirement System of Texas, divorce decree, beneficiary designation, Veterans' Land Board, general obligation bonds, constitutional amendment, veterans, housing assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• And what that is, is when we get a new direct flight to from Oklahoma City, we want to make sure that
• This is the Healthcare Workers Resources Act and the assistance program and board that went along with
• Thompson, it minority leader Kurt, would you care to vote?
• Senator Fricks, would you like to Carrier, excuse me, care to explain your amendment?
• I'm thinking about the remote workers' tax credit, the various engineering tax credits we have that both

Bills: SB1307, SB1425, SB1826, SB1365, SB1696

Keywords: SB1425, health care, healthcare workforce, workforce board, Health Care Workforce Resources Board, Health Care Workforce Resources Act, Oklahoma Health Care Workers and Educators Assistance Program, repeal, statutory repeal, health care workers, educators, workforce development, health professions, state board, assistance program, Oklahoma statutes, economic development, incentives, enterprise zones, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for taking care of these kids. Thank you for supporting their growth and their learning.
• It was a child care center at some point way back when, and they're here visiting us today.
• taxation, amending and expanding an income tax deduction for unreimbursed or uncompensated medical care
• by Representatives Alan Martinez, Zapansky, Abeyta, and Joshua Hernandez, an act relating to health care
• hospitals to provide pricing information on services and items provided at hospitals, requiring the Health Care

Bills: HM3, HM11, HM14, HM15, HM21

Keywords: nurses, health care workers, healthcare workers, frontline workers, hospital staff, clinicians, allied health professionals, support staff, public health, workforce shortage, nursing shortage, safe staffing, patient safety, rural health care, frontier communities, behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorder, substance abuse, health care memorial

Transcript Highlights:

• I work as a home care worker and I am here to testify on behalf of SEIU Healthcare. committee.
• I work as a home care worker, and I am here to testify on behalf of SEIU Healthcare Minnesota in Iowa
• We also provide home care services in the consumer-directed community support program.
• We also provide home care services in the consumer-directed community support program.
• But nothing protects workers who care.

Bills: HF3797, HF3780, HF4068, HF3935

Keywords: long-term care, insurance policy, healthcare, partnership policy, Minnesota, human services, wage increase, support workers, shared services, community first services, medical assistance, sanctions, healthcare services, monetary recovery, government accountability, assisted living, training, unlicensed personnel, resident rights, safety regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• > drawing<00:15:23.440> the careful about immediately drawing the careful about immediately
• <00:20:56.159> and move the bill in the right direction and move the bill in the right direction
• <00:43:15.680> of led through uh the directions of led through uh the directions of organizations
• I also just really this direction.
• <01:43:35.760> a community-based social worker and a community-based social worker and a social

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:

• We work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and self-directed home care.
• and self-directed home care we support and self-directed home care we support HF<00:05:18.400>
• We don't care if they're union or non-union; we don't care.
• We don't care if they're union or non-union; we don't care.
• wages as we think about workers wages as we think about long-term<00:15:11.560> care<00:15:12.560

Bills: HF339, HF1272, HF2121, HF2122, HF1216, HF1003, HF2319

Keywords: HF339, Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board, nursing homes, long-term care, elder care, workforce standards, certified worker organizations, labor funding, general fund appropriation, worker grants, Minnesota labor law, nursing home staffing, caregiver workforce, section 181.214, HF1272, nursing home, boarding care home, nursing home workers, labor standards, Medicaid-certified facility

Bills: SB 462, SB 519, SB 878, SB 972, SB 1228, SB 1350, SB 1356, SB 1535

Keywords: childcare, priority, child-care workers, waiting list, legislation, Texas history, education, grant program, nonprofit, student engagement, economic development, public funding, local government, tax abatement, performance metrics, transparency, community engagement, reimbursement rates, Texas Rising Star Program, subsidized childcare

Transcript Highlights:

• We had this workers' comp advisory commission in place, and it is agreed by all involved today that it
• Senator Daniels, would you care to close debate. Wave that she waves.
• Senator Daniels care to close debate.
• End Kirk, would you care to close the debate? Clerk, please call the roll.
• If you're offering vision care policies, then you need to be the same as everybody.

Bills: SB1303, SB1343, SB1435, SB1438, SB1444, SB1641, SB1765, SB1916, SB2067

Keywords: workers' compensation, workers comp, Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Commission, Administrative Workers' Compensation Act, self-insurance guaranty fund, multiple injury trust fund, physician advisory committee, advisory council on workers' compensation, workers' compensation court, insurance, employer liability, self-insured employer, fund transfer, records transfer, agency reorganization, statutory cleanup, technical corrections, Title 85A, SB1343, Vision Plan Contractual Requirements Act

Transcript Highlights:

• providers that can diagnose workers providers that can diagnose workers compensation<00:23:58.640
• we're going in the right direction. we're going in the right direction.
• consistently in the right direction consistently in the right direction really<00:54:06.400>
• Who wouldn't even stand up for their workers, their citizen workers.
• their uh two workers who their citizen<01:13:12.960> workers.

Bills: HF4862, HF4598

Keywords: apprenticeship, education, teacher training, grant program, labor and industry, workers' compensation, Minnesota workers' compensation, Workers' Compensation Advisory Council, reinsurance association, Workers' Compensation Reinsurance Association, WCRA, occupational disease, presumption, first responders, firefighter cancer, PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder, police officer, paramedic, emergency medical technician

Transcript Highlights:

• care we provide in our own homes. care we provide in our own homes.
• Let me be direct.
• part of a family foster care. part of a family foster care.
• Adult family foster care providers incur substantial annual expenses: workers’ compensation insurance
• care providers that do. care providers that do.

Bills: HF4491, HF4338, HF4288, HF4566

Keywords: Medical Assistance, Medicaid, prepayment review, claims review, fee-for-service, provider integrity, high-risk provider, high-risk service, fraud prevention, program integrity, Department of Human Services, CMS, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, health care billing, medical claims, provider enrollment, Indian Health Service, Minnesota Statutes chapter 256B, human services, medical assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• She cares about people very deeply and wants to make sure that we improve access to medical care.
• House District 53 is filled with caring and tenacious health care providers.
• our health care system.
• And I know our laws have placed you in... ...of health care in our health care system.
• hours for care.

Bills: HM3, HM11, HM14, HM15, HM18, HM21, HB10, HB11, HB12, HB13, HB14, HB31, HB50

Keywords: nurses, health care workers, healthcare workers, frontline workers, hospital staff, clinicians, allied health professionals, support staff, public health, workforce shortage, nursing shortage, safe staffing, patient safety, rural health care, frontier communities, behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorder, substance abuse, health care memorial

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:10.720> to prepared for it and uh help workers to prepared for it and uh help workers
• <00:07:49.199> professions currently those are caring professions currently those are caring
• that is a direct cost passed down to me. that is a direct cost passed down to me.
• The challenge is not care system.
• Workers comp work. Oh, the workers comp bill we talked about earlier too.

Bills: HF4598, HF4884, HF3732

Keywords: workers' compensation, Minnesota workers' compensation, Workers' Compensation Advisory Council, reinsurance association, Workers' Compensation Reinsurance Association, WCRA, occupational disease, presumption, first responders, firefighter cancer, PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder, police officer, paramedic, emergency medical technician, correctional officer, security counselor, public safety dispatcher, temporary total disability, permanent partial disability