Senate Bill 198 would appropriate supplemental FY25 funding to reinstate a previously executed rate increase for Family Infant Toddler (FIT) providers and reimburse providers for the difference retroactive to January 2025. The Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee voted to give the bill a due‑pass recommendation.

Why it matters: The FIT program provides early intervention services under Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and serves over 14,000 children birth to age three annually. Providers reported they had implemented wage increases and other budget changes based on an approved rate increase that was later rescinded by the state agency due to internal miscommunication.

Testimony and technical fix
Karen Lucero, CEO of a FIT provider agency, and disability advocates described operational hardship after the rescission. The department and sponsor presented the bill as a technical remedy to make providers whole for the FY25 period; the department asked the committee to amend a drafting error to reference calendar year 2025 correctly and the committee adopted that small change.

Formal action
Committee members adopted the drafting correction and approved the bill by a recorded voice roll; the committee reported the bill with a due‑pass recommendation.