Committee approves repeal and technical fixes tied to terminated housing‑stabilization program

Senator Hoffman presented Senate File 37‑55 to codify repeal of the housing‑stabilization services statute that the governor terminated last summer after findings of fraudulent activity. She argued the repeal affirms separation of powers — that only the legislature can repeal a statutory program — and included provisions to improve transparency around public comments on waiver-plan amendments.

Senator Hoffman asked for and obtained adoption of a technical A‑6 amendment offered by the reviser. Senator Abler then moved an A‑5 amendment intended to address funding impacts and a one‑time rate add‑on as a potential mechanism to mitigate provider losses; sponsors described the saving as roughly $50 million and discussed budget-credit concerns. The committee adopted the amendments and moved the bill to the human services committee for further work.