Transcript Highlights:

• That money has been going out the door for child care assistance. And that's just not accurate.
• That money has been going out the door for child care assistance. And so I'm happy to provide that.
• Yeah, we did have that assistive technology. Isn't there a bill on that?
• So the assistive... was there language associated with that? No, there was no language.
• Seems to me to be a good thing, but it seems to me to be broader than assisted.

Bills: SB2399

Keywords: mental health, psychiatric treatment, reimbursement, medical assistance, legislative report, 908, all

Summary: The committee reconvened and first reconsidered House Bill 1612, the aerospace medical and mental health support center bill. Senator Cleary offered an amendment to reduce the general fund appropriation from $500,000 to $250,000 and require the university or project sponsors to find the remaining funding from other sources. The amendment passed, and the bill was then recommended do pass as amended, with members citing concerns about university funding, but others supporting the project as a one-time seed investment. The committee also discussed a possible future FMAP increase beginning October 1, 2026, which could reduce general fund costs by roughly $9 million, though members noted the figures were still preliminary and could be addressed later if needed. The committee then returned to Human Services budget items, including early childhood and child care funding, a community cultural center grant, and several other adjustments. Members discussed reducing the “best in class” amount, changes to child care grants and quality/infrastructure funding, and clarifying that prior child care assistance appropriations were in fact being spent. They also agreed to reduce the 1915(i) Medicaid waiver line by $2 million, with the understanding that the entitlement would still be funded as needed. The committee also considered taking guardianship funding out of House Bill 1012 because a separate bill, Senate Bill 2029, would move that funding elsewhere; members agreed that removing it from the budget could help the overall bill and could be restored if the separate bill failed. Several study amendments were discussed. Senator Cleary proposed adding a maternal health study related to prenatal services, doulas, midwives, and Medicaid, and members expressed support. The committee also discussed a software/case-management study proposal, but the department said it had not requested it and would not support it as presented, so members leaned against advancing it unless the department first evaluated it. Another amendment would authorize the department to work with the city of Grafton on a long-term plan for the LSTC campus and require a report back to the legislature; members supported that as legislative intent. The committee also agreed to remove a truancy study section for later conference discussion, and it reviewed other possible study ideas, including assistive technology, before adjourning to await updated long sheets and bill text.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to mention the only other bill that we still have out there is 1577 regarding wastewater treatment
• So the first item under behavioral health is voluntary treatment program qualified, or QRTPs, private
• And last Thursday, Pam Sagna sent us each an email about the voluntary treatment program, so that might
• I wonder if we can back up to that voluntary treatment program for qualified residential treatment program
• ...to add University of Mary to the Bismarck water treatment, and I thought there was a conversation

Bills: SB2399

Keywords: mental health, psychiatric treatment, reimbursement, medical assistance, legislative report, 908, all

Summary: The Senate Appropriations HR Division met to work through amendments and budget items in House Bill 2012/HB 1004, focusing first on long-term care, disability services, and behavioral health. Members discussed competing approaches to a four-plex for medically complex individuals, a value-based care payment withhold for nursing facilities, accreditation requirements for providers, a study of developmental disability services, and funding for Family Voices and Ann Carlson-related services. Several amendments were accepted or set aside after discussion, including a study amendment for disability services and a Family Voices grant amendment that was adjusted to remove “one-time” language so it could continue as an ongoing grant. The committee also agreed to keep or defer some items for conference committee, including the youth crisis stabilization pilot and other long-term care proposals. A major discussion centered on the state hospital project. Members debated whether the $330 million project should remain in the DHS budget or be moved to the OMB budget for construction management. After discussion of costs, alternates, and the role of a steering committee and BND loan language, the committee agreed to remove the state hospital funding and related loan language from the DHS budget while leaving the steering committee language in place. The committee also considered a proposed Altru grant for additional beds and settled on a smaller planning-focused approach, with a $1 million grant and a line of credit concept to be refined later. The committee then turned to behavioral health items, including QRTP funding, nursing home behavioral health training, and a youth crisis stabilization pilot. Members generally supported keeping the QRTP funding level, but were divided on the nursing home behavioral health training and the crisis stabilization pilot, with some preferring to leave those issues for conference committee. The division also reviewed the HHS block grant and underfunding structure, with Donna Ackland explaining salary, vacancy, and flexibility calculations; the committee discussed adjusting the underfund and revenue assumptions but did not finalize every number before moving on. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 1577 on wastewater treatment grants. Senator Davison moved to hoghouse the bill into a study-focused version using the proposed amendment language, and the motion passed. The committee then moved HB 1577 as amended with a do pass recommendation; the roll call passed with Senators Cleary, Davison, Dever, and Mathern voting yes, and Senator Magrum not recorded as voting. The meeting adjourned with plans to return later in the day to continue budget work.

Transcript Highlights:

• to offer energy assistance to lower...
• To provide monthly bill assistance as part of their obligation to offer energy assistance to low-income
• , or our Project Help Assistance Program.
• Washington's energy assistance...
• low-income households without monthly energy assistance capable of meeting their energy assistance needs

Bills: HB2426, HB2373, HB2416

Keywords: pollution control, efficiency, appeals process, environmental regulation, hearing board, electric utility, energy assistance, low-income households, monthly bill assistance, energy equity, waste management, energy, climate action, environmental regulations, fair treatment, renewable energy, sustainability, 904, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2426, House Bill 2416, and House Bill 2373. HB 2426 would allow the Pollution Control Hearings Board, with unanimous agreement of the parties and the board, to use alternative panel compositions for appeals, including a single board member, an administrative appeals judge, or members from other environmental boards, so long as the panel includes a Washington-licensed attorney and members with environmental law knowledge. Supporters from the bill sponsor, ALUHO, Washington Conservation Action, Featurewise, and Greater Grays Harbor said the change would improve efficiency, reduce delays, and preserve full-board review for more complex cases. ALUHO offered technical comments to clarify the attorney requirement and whether Growth Management Hearings Board members are included. No vote was taken. HB 2416 would provide no-cost allowances under the Climate Commitment Act to Spokane’s waste-to-energy facility, which would enter the program in the second compliance period. Supporters, including Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown, city and county officials, labor, and port representatives, said the facility protects Spokane’s sole-source aquifer, provides waste disposal and electricity for about 13,000 homes, serves special waste needs, and could face major rate impacts without relief. Opponents from Zero Waste Washington, Washington Conservation Action, Climate Solutions, and Ecology argued the bill would give the facility preferential treatment, subsidize emissions through 2050, and set a precedent inconsistent with the state’s climate targets. AWB was neutral but asked that any new allowances not reduce the broader market supply. The hearing included discussion of carbon capture, rate impacts, and the possibility of alternative compliance language, but no action was taken. HB 2373 would require electric utilities to provide monthly bill discount programs with five income tiers, expanded outreach and enrollment options, and revised reporting on low-income assistance. Sponsor Rep. Mena said the bill is intended to make assistance more consistent and better targeted without requiring a new funding source. Commerce staff said the bill responds to a patchwork of utility programs and a statewide energy assistance need estimated at about $270 million. Supporters, including the Northwest Energy Coalition, Community Action Partnership, Tacoma Public Utilities, Commerce, and PSE, said monthly assistance is needed and the bill could improve access and consistency. Utilities and rural co-ops, including WPUDA, Grays Harbor PUD, College PUD, and Ferry PUD, opposed the bill as written, warning it would function as an unfunded mandate and could require significant rate increases, especially for small or rural systems. Several witnesses urged a state-funded alternative such as HB 1903. No vote was taken on any of the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• They include things like a health care directive or assistance with cooking or cleaning.
• The main issue here is when we kick people off of medical assistance, they still get sick.
• The main issue here is when we kick people off of medical assistance, they still get sick.
• The main issue here is when we kick people off of medical assistance, they still get sick.
• The main issue here is when we kick people off of medical assistance, they still get sick.

Bills: HF3901, HF962, HF4428, HF4478, HF1775

Keywords: foster care, ombudsperson, investigative powers, children's rights, complaint process, HF4428, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, community engagement, work requirement, work mandate, employment requirement, community service, 80 hours, half-time student, income threshold, federal minimum wage, eligibility verification, benefit suspension, benefit termination

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2340 applies both of these provisions to nursing assistants.
• And this bill honestly just allows nursing assistants to utilize the program now because nursing assistants
• And this bill honestly just allows nursing assistants to utilize the program now because nursing assistants
• And this bill honestly just allows nursing assistants to utilize the program now because nursing assistants
• And this bill honestly just allows nursing assistants to utilize the program now because nursing assistants

Bills: HB1812, HB2232, HB2250, HB2340, HB2577

Keywords: anesthesia services, healthcare access, reimbursement, patient care, equitable treatment, emergency services, healthcare outcomes, health infrastructure, system improvement, charity care, residency requirements, medical assistance, low-income, HB 2340, nursing assistants, nurse aide, substance use disorder monitoring program, monitoring program, credentialing, licensure

Summary: The House Health Care & Wellness Committee held public hearings on several bills. House Bill 2232 would create a time-sensitive emergency data repository for cardiac, stroke, and trauma care, with Department of Health oversight, quality improvement reporting, and support for rural facilities; emergency physicians, nurses, and DOH supported it as a way to improve outcomes and reduce rural-urban disparities, while the Washington State Hospital Association said hospitals support the goal but lack resources to absorb the added reporting burden. House Bill 1812, on the proposed substitute, would bar insurers, public employee plans, HCA, and Medicaid managed care from imposing anesthesia time limits or related reimbursement caps; the sponsor and anesthesia providers said it protects patient safety and prevents insurers from interfering with medical judgment, and the Washington State Society of Anesthesiologists asked for a clarifying amendment on physical status modifiers. House Bill 2340 would extend substance use disorder monitoring program protections and stipend eligibility to nursing assistants; the sponsor and Board of Nursing supported it as a way to reduce stigma and help participants afford treatment and monitoring, and the board said the stipend is currently funded through general funds. House Bill 2577 would require acute care hospital inspections at least every 18 months, clarify use of approved accrediting organizations, and adjust fire protection re-inspection rules; the sponsor and Department of Health said it responds to a JLARC audit and clarifies timelines after COVID-related delays, while the department said it is still working to catch up on inspections and continues complaint investigations. House Bill 2250 would limit hospital charity care eligibility to Washington residents, using residency standards similar to Medicaid and preserving emergency care coverage under EMTALA. Supporters, including border hospital officials, the Washington State Hospital Association, and Seattle Children’s, argued the current policy draws nonresident non-emergent patients and strains rural and border hospitals, especially Newport Hospital, while opponents from Columbia Legal Services, Dollar For, Northwest Health Law Advocates, and QLaw Foundation said the bill would chill access for immigrants, temporary visa holders, and people seeking reproductive or gender-affirming care, and that the real problem is hospitals failing to provide charity care to eligible patients. The sponsor said he is working with DOH on amendments to address unintended consequences, and several testifiers indicated willingness to continue stakeholder discussions. No votes were taken; the committee heard testimony and then closed public hearings on the bills before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assess whether they meet criteria for assisted community treatment and coordinate assisted community
• Uh, under the current law they can assist in the assisted community treatment process, but they don't
• community</c> can assist in the assisted community can assist in the assisted community treatment<00:
• </c><00:13:42.960><c> community</c><00:13:43.360><c> treatment</c> what what assisted community treatment
• c> for</c> assisted community treatment or for assisted community treatment or for involuntary<00:33:

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><00:02:19.560><c> treatment.
• </c> for medication-assisted treatment. for medication-assisted treatment.
• </c><00:52:25.000><c> assistant</c> the 2024 Medicaid assistance assistant the 2024 Medicaid assistance
• </c> preventative, life-changing treatments. preventative, life-changing treatments.
• </c><01:52:11.920><c> It</c> receiving curative treatments. It receiving curative treatments.

Bills: HF4493, HF3133, HF4595, HF4143, HF4142, HF3756, HF4289, HF1724, HF2291, HF4568, HF4547

Keywords: opioid use disorder, OUD, medication-assisted treatment, MAT, pharmacist prescribing, pharmacy practice, controlled substances, Schedule III, Schedule IV, Schedule V, DEA registration, Board of Pharmacy, substance use disorder, addiction treatment, buprenorphine, naltrexone, harm reduction, prescription authority, pharmacist intern, Minnesota pharmacy law

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:43.480><c> so</c> to receive more intensive treatment so to receive more intensive treatment
• </c> to use the terms residential treatment to use the terms residential treatment or<00:02:47.560><c
• </c><00:04:47.840><c> or</c> term residential treatment or term residential treatment or Therapeutic<
• </c> admissions to direct care and treatment admissions to direct care and treatment mha<00:33:58.600
• </c> um in an NOA Metro Regional treatment um in an NOA Metro Regional treatment center<00:46:01.200>

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:

• The treatment her family received in assisted living shocked me.
• You have two minutes. her family received in assisted living her family received in assisted living shocked
• </c> condition conditions entered AL assisted condition conditions entered AL assisted living<00:01:56.720
• ><c> to</c><00:03:29.599><c> provide</c> assisted living facilities to provide assisted living facilities
• Uh we had the the assisted savings.

Bills: HF2216, HF1978, HF2354, HF1963, HF1994, HF1995, HF1894

Keywords: assisted living, nursing home, long-term care, guardian, conservator, resident rights, arbitration, mandatory arbitration, consumer protection, fee increase, rate increase, price hike, private pay, public funds, Medicaid, waiver services, elderly, seniors, older adults, disability rights

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the American Legion Department of Minnesota legislative chair, and I'm an assistant county veteran
• I'm the American Legion Department of Minnesota legislative chair, and I'm an assistant county veteran
• everybody, but it's very costly, and the way that it works is that it's significant ongoing rental assistance
• is that it's significant ongoing works is that it's significant ongoing rental<00:53:51.400><c> assistance
• </c><00:53:52.280><c> and</c> rental assistance and rental assistance and services<00:53:54.280><c> including

Bills: HF169, HF195, HF194, HF1756, HF2133

Keywords: HF169, Minnesota insurance, health plan, summary of benefits and coverage, SBC, patient assistance program, deductible, health insurer, consumer disclosure, out-of-pocket costs, medical assistance funds, copay assistance, health coverage transparency, chapter 62Q, enrollee, HF195, Fairmont, street reconstruction, bonding bill, capital investment

Transcript Highlights:

• and report on the cost, feasibility, and impact of allowing recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
• We want to make sure that the family of people in hospice care are getting the proper treatment.
• And some nursing homes, some people might not be following this exactly. ...proper treatment.
• I think it matters, especially for those people receiving treatment. Thank you. Rep. Chassion?
• Nine different states using the PSS model within treatment works.

Bills: HR174, HR194, HCR98, SB39, SB124, SB190, SB236, SB270, SB273, SB359, SB415, SB426, SB437, SB451

Keywords: fenbendazole, cancer treatment, public health, FDA, clinical trials, patient safety, visual acuity, student health, de-identified data, longitudinal analysis, education policy, SNAP, food stamps, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, grocery delivery, delivery fees, service charges, online grocery, food access, food insecurity

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:01:13.840><c> and</c> eligibility for public assistance and eligibility for public assistance
• Direct Care and Treatment or the executive board have been added so that once Direct Care and Treatment
• Direct Care and Treatment or the executive board have been added so that once Direct Care and Treatment
• and the child care assistance program.
• </c> assistance and the child care assistance assistance and the child care assistance program<00:24:

Bills: HF1662, HF2115, HF2159, HF1095, HF2160

Keywords: veterans, veterans affairs, State Soldiers Assistance Program, Veterans Stable Housing Initiative, MAXIS, human services data, data sharing, eligibility verification, informed consent, private data, benefits coordination, veteran housing, veteran assistance, Department of Human Services, Children Youth and Families, state benefits, federal benefits, privacy, public assistance, human services

Transcript Highlights:

• But it's important to note that the CCAP system doesn't kick a family off of child care assistance if
• if they hit that child care assistance if they hit that 25-day<00:22:02.320><c> limit.
• If there's a full removal of child care assistance funding for a period of time, we would fully pause
• Um, but I think we fundamentally disagree on the concept of creating a program to provide assistance
• Yet, yeah, it is difficult to apply for public assistance or public funds, but that's because they are

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:

• Is that what ... differentiate between ordered treatment differentiate between ordered treatment and<
• This would align with other state cash assistance programs like General Assistance and MIP.
• </c> aid and general assistance programs. aid and general assistance programs.
• like general assistance and programs like general assistance and MIP.<00:52:25.599><c> And</c><00:52
• </c> tied to emergency general assistance. tied to emergency general assistance.

Bills: HF4210, HF4212, HF4549, HF4464, HF4546, HF4447

Keywords: senior nutrition, older adults, aging services, home-delivered meals, congregate dining, meal delivery, grocery delivery, food insecurity, nutrition support, area agencies on aging, Minnesota Board on Aging, human services, special revenue fund, nonprofit grants, SNAP outreach, medically tailored meals, rural nutrition, food access, transportation services, elderly

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this measure is relating to supplemental nutrition assistance program.
• >> Yeah, I I would need to verify that in terms of that compliance with treatment.
• >> Yeah, I I would need to verify that in terms of that compliance with treatment.
• >> Yeah, I I would need to verify that in terms of that compliance with treatment.
• >> Yeah, I I would need to verify that in terms of that compliance with treatment.

Bills: HB2264, HB2336, HB2298, HB1518

Keywords: protective orders, military, law enforcement, judicial coordination, victim safety, community safety, federal military installations, disaster response, emergency services, state funding, transportation department, public safety, Hawaii, education, high school diploma, veterans, wartime practices, armed services, HB1518, Hawaii SNAP

Summary: The committee opened by announcing that it would hear testimony but would not take decisions on the day’s bills, with action deferred to a later decision-making agenda. The first measure, HB 2264, would require notification to military security forces when a protective order is issued involving a military-affiliated person. Support came from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii National Guard, and DBEDT’s Military Affairs office, all emphasizing better coordination and faster notice to help protect victims and support command oversight. Family Court Judge Jesse Hall supported the intent but asked for deferral, explaining that a prior fax-and-email notification system had broken down and that the military had not re-engaged with the court. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the bill but recommended narrowing it so it applies only when the respondent is actually marked as military-connected and delaying the effective date to January 1, 2027 to allow implementation. In questions, members discussed the current breakdown in communication, the number of military-marked TROs statewide, and whether the bill would be necessary if the old system were restored; the military witness said she would try to reestablish contact with the court. The committee then took up HB 2336, which would authorize the Department of Transportation to enter into agreements with the U.S. Department of Defense for services at federal military installations and charge an administrative fee. DOT and the Military Affairs office supported the measure, describing it as a way to speed projects, combine state and federal resources, and strengthen infrastructure that also supports disaster response and the economy. Members questioned why the bill was needed if similar arrangements had existed before, and whether Title 23 federal highway funds could be used; DOT responded that the bill would help expedite projects and supplement, not supplant, federal funding, while each project would still require review of the appropriate funding source. The committee also heard HB 2298, which would allow the Department of Education to award high school diplomas to qualified people whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii Office of Veterans Affairs, and DOE supported the bill, and DOE said implementation would have only a minimal printing cost. Finally, the committee heard HB 1518, which would require DHS, upon obtaining a federal waiver, to create a pre-release SNAP application process for inmates nearing release by January 1, 2028. DHS said it was already working on a pilot and stood on its testimony; the County of Hawaii, the Correctional System Oversight Commission, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported the measure, arguing it would improve reentry outcomes and would not cost the state additional money. No votes or final committee actions were taken on any of the bills during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• A veterinarian may deny telehealth treatment if they believe that a physical examination is necessary
• Eligible expenses for reimbursement include the cost of substance use evaluation, treatment, and other
• And the board finds that the nursing assistant has substantially complied with the terms of the order
• So the goal of the program is to keep people employed while you're going through treatment and being
• But throughout the health care professions, I think the nursing assistants make the least amount.

Bills: HB2340, HB2155, HB2531

Keywords: HB 2340, nursing assistants, nurse aide, substance use disorder monitoring program, monitoring program, credentialing, licensure, disciplinary records, enforcement action, public disclosure, privacy, third-party website, stipend program, financial assistance, treatment costs, drug testing, peer support, recovery, rehabilitation, board-approved program

Transcript Highlights:

• So many motans are and treatments.
• </c><00:03:56.319><c> Um,</c> treatment for infertility. Period. Um, treatment for infertility.
• actual treatment itself.
• ,</c> but we sure do cover the treatment, but we sure do cover the treatment, right?
• So all of the assistance program.

Bills: HF4609, HF4401

Keywords: infertility, fertility treatment, fertility preservation, IVF, assisted reproductive technology, ART, oocyte retrieval, embryo transfer, egg freezing, sperm freezing, reproductive health, maternity coverage, health insurance mandate, health plan benefits, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, MinnesotaCare, family planning, oncology fertility preservation, chemotherapy

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2340, which applies substance use disorder monitoring program provisions to nursing assistants
• House Bill 2340 before us, applying substance use disorder monitoring program provisions to nursing assistants
• Thank you. ...provisions to nursing assistants.
• And Sierra Daly, our senior committee assistant, Rachel Lavender, our hearing room specialist.
• And Sierra Daly, are. panelists, yay Jacob, and Sierra Daly, our senior committee assistant, Rachel Lavender

Bills: HB2340, HB2540, HB2113

Keywords: HB 2340, nursing assistants, nurse aide, substance use disorder monitoring program, monitoring program, credentialing, licensure, disciplinary records, enforcement action, public disclosure, privacy, third-party website, stipend program, financial assistance, treatment costs, drug testing, peer support, recovery, rehabilitation, board-approved program

Transcript Highlights:

• We have some of these same standards in other residential treatment facilities.
• We are asking that... ...other residential treatment facilities, we are asking that just because you're
• already or has a... ...who has either engaged in treatment already or has a environment where that’s
• North Carolina has a plan to increase treatment education as individuals are both in or out of prison
• found that prison-based CBT and substance use treatment programs significantly reduced reoffending.

Bills: HB1228, HB1239, HB2310, HB2464

Keywords: DUI, driving under the influence, impaired driving, toxicology, forensic toxicology, breath test, blood test, THC, marijuana, cannabis, alcohol concentration, state toxicologist, implied consent, evidence admissibility, venous blood draw, forensic phlebotomist, certified laboratory, accredited laboratory, law enforcement, DWI

Summary: The committee heard public hearings on several bills, with staff briefings and sponsor testimony before moving to public testimony later. House Bill 2310 would elevate fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation to a Class C felony for repeat offenders with qualifying prior convictions. The sponsor said it responds to a constituent’s experience and is intended to increase accountability for repeat conduct. Supporters from prosecutors and law enforcement said it addresses repeated plea-downs and aligns with other repeat-offense statutes, while defense advocates warned it would trigger sex-offense consequences, registration, immigration impacts, and higher incarceration and supervision costs, and urged review by the Sex Offender Policy Board. House Bill 1239, the reentry readiness bill, would prospectively increase earned release time to up to 33.33% for eligible sentences starting July 1, 2026, make certain enhancements eligible for earned release time, create a two-year peer-support pilot for incarcerated survivors of sexual violence and intimate partner violence at the women’s correctional center, and require victim notification materials about sentencing changes. The sponsor and reentry advocates said it would improve reentry, reduce recidivism, and support trauma-informed preparation for release. Prosecutors and sheriffs opposed the bill, arguing it mainly shortens sentences rather than improving rehabilitation and could reduce accountability for serious offenses, though they supported the pilot concept. House Bill 1228 would allow blood and breath toxicology analyses to be valid if performed by an accredited ISO/IEC 17025 forensic toxicology lab, creating an alternative to the state toxicologist process. The sponsor, Seattle’s city attorney, prosecutors, and law enforcement supporters said Washington’s toxicology backlog is causing long delays, missed filings, and repeat impaired-driving offenses, and that private lab use could speed cases and improve public safety. Defense advocates asked for discovery protections and cautioned about out-of-state lab complications, while county representatives opposed shifting costs to local governments and warned of unequal access if only some jurisdictions can afford private testing. House Bill 2464 would require private detention facilities to report serious incidents—such as abuse, neglect, deaths, suicides, hospitalizations, and emergencies—to the Department of Health and local law enforcement within one business day, and would require annual law-enforcement reporting on calls and investigations involving those facilities. The sponsor and advocates said the bill is needed because conditions and incidents at the Tacoma ICE facility are not being transparently reported, citing deaths, assaults, hunger strikes, fires, and barriers to detainees reporting abuse. Law enforcement said the bill should be discussed with the affected agencies and noted reporting burdens, while supporters from civil rights, immigrant rights, media, and human rights groups said the measure would improve transparency and public safety. No votes were taken; the committee repeatedly held the hearings open and moved from one bill to the next for testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this is my bill we heard previously that relates to the monetary assistance provided by DFPS
• I think the most important of these is that it assists us as prosecutors, uh, in complying with our duties
• She's my first assistant. I don't like family law. I'll tell you that right now.
• Moore's first assistant 2.5 years ago, uh.

Bills: HB 741, HB 1199, HB 2070, HB 2402, HB 2542, HB 2665, HB 2789, HB 3096, HB 3396, HB 3595, HB 3747, HB 4116, HB 4127

Keywords: child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid